Franz Josef by Campervan: Glacier Walks, Heli-Hikes and Where to Stay
Quick summary: Franz Josef is the busiest of the West Coast’s two glacier townships and the best-equipped base for a campervan glacier stop. The township sits beside State Highway 6, a few kilometres from the glacier valley, with holiday parks, flight and heli-hike bases, cafés and rainforest hot pools all within walking distance of each other. Park the campervan or motorhome for two or three nights, walk the valley, and wait for clear skies to fly onto the ice.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Where | State Highway 6, South Westland |
| From Greymouth | Around 175 km, about 2 hours 15 minutes |
| From Fox Glacier | Around 25 km, about 30 minutes |
| Glacier | Franz Josef/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere |
| Signature experiences | Heli-hikes, snow-landing flights, skydiving, glacier hot pools |
| Tours | Franz Josef Glacier tours |
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Why base yourself in Franz Josef?
Because everything is close at hand. The flight and heli-hike operators have their bases in the township’s main street, the holiday parks are a short walk away, and the glacier valley is a few minutes’ drive. If a morning flight is cancelled, you can walk the valley, soak in the hot pools or visit the wildlife centre instead, and try again the next day without moving the vehicle.
What is the story of the glacier’s name?
The Māori name, Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, means “the tears of Hine Hukatere”. In the legend, Hine Hukatere loved the mountains and persuaded her lover, Wawe, to climb with her; when he fell to his death, her tears froze to form the glacier. The European name honours the Austrian emperor Franz Josef, given by the explorer Julius von Haast.
What can you do in Franz Josef?
- Walk the glacier valley. A walk leads up the wide, rocky valley of the Waiho River towards the glacier, with viewpoints that change as the ice retreats and conditions shift. Check with the DOC visitor centre for the current track and viewpoint.
- Shorter walks to Peter’s Pool, a small kettle lake that can reflect the glacier, and Sentinel Rock, a viewpoint over the valley.
- Soak in the hot pools, a set of outdoor pools in the rainforest just off the main street.
- Visit the wildlife centre, which breeds rowi, the rarest kiwi, and lets you see kiwi up close.
- Kayak on Lake Mapourika, a calm, dark lake around 10 km north, reflecting the forest and mountains.
Which glacier tours leave from Franz Josef?
| Tour | What to expect | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Heli-hike | A flight onto the glacier and a guided walk on the ice | Heli-hike tours |
| Scenic flight with snow landing | Flights over the glaciers and high peaks, landing on snow | Snow landing tours |
| Twin glacier flight | Franz Josef and Fox in one trip | Twin glacier tours |
| Skydive | Freefall with the glaciers, rainforest and sea below | Skydive tours |
| Guided kayak | Lake Mapourika, with rainforest and mountain reflections | Kayak tours |
Browse all Franz Josef Glacier tours.
Where can you park an RV in Franz Josef?
At one of the township’s holiday parks, which have powered sites, kitchens and dump stations, and are within walking distance of the main street and the flight bases. Parking for large vehicles at the glacier valley car park is available, but it can be busy in the middle of the day, so visit early or late. On the main street, campervan parking is limited, so it’s easier to walk from your holiday park.
How many nights should you stay?
Two nights at least, and three if a heli-hike or flight is the highlight of your trip. Book your experience for the first morning, so that the second morning is a back-up if weather closes in. See our guide to weather and spare days.
Where can you stay?
- Holiday parks in the township, with full facilities.
- DOC campsites at Lake Mapourika and further north at Ōkārito.
- Freedom camping is possible only at a few permitted sites, generally in certified self-contained vehicles, where Westland District Council or DOC allows it.
See our guide to campsites near the glaciers.
Where does the trip go next?
South to Fox Glacier, around 25 km over the hills, or north to Ōkārito’s lagoon and kiwi sanctuary. For the full West Coast route, see our sister site’s West Coast glaciers route.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A walk leads up the glacier valley towards the ice, with viewpoints that vary as the glacier retreats and conditions change. Only guided heli-hikes go onto the glacier itself.
Around 25 km on State Highway 6, about 30 minutes over the hills.
At the holiday parks in the township, which are within walking distance of the main street, the flight bases and the hot pools.
Two to three nights, so you have a spare morning if weather cancels a flight or heli-hike.
Yes. The wildlife centre in the township breeds rowi, the rarest kiwi, and offers close-up viewing.