Car Rental for the Glaciers: Franz Josef, Fox and the West Coast

Quick summary: Franz Josef and Fox Glacier have no rental depots, so visitors collect a car elsewhere and drive in. The closest pickups are Hokitika Airport, around 135 km north of Franz Josef, and Greymouth railway station at the end of the TranzAlpine, around 175 km north. Many travellers instead rent at Queenstown or Christchurch airports and make the glaciers part of a one-way South Island road trip over the Haast Pass or Arthur’s Pass.

At a glance
Closest pickup	Hokitika Airport, around 135 km from Franz Josef
By train	Greymouth railway station, around 175 km from Franz Josef
From the south	Queenstown Airport, around 350 km via the Haast Pass
From the east	Christchurch Airport, around 390 km via Arthur’s Pass
From the north	Westport or Nelson airports
Tours	Franz Josef Glacier tours

Compare car rental at Hokitika Airport

Where should you collect a car for the glaciers?

Pickup	Best for	Guide
Hokitika Airport	Flying in and driving the shortest distance	Hokitika and Greymouth
Greymouth station	Arriving on the TranzAlpine from Christchurch	Hokitika and Greymouth
Queenstown Airport	Driving north via Wānaka and the Haast Pass	Queenstown and Christchurch
Christchurch Airport	Crossing Arthur’s Pass, or a one-way trip south	Queenstown and Christchurch

Do you need a car at the glaciers?

It helps. Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are small villages, and most heli-hikes, scenic flights and skydives leave from the townships, so you can walk to your tour once you’ve arrived. But the valley walks, Lake Matheson and Okarito are spread out, and public transport along the coast is limited, so a car gives you far more freedom on non-flying days.

What do rental companies require?

Each driver needs a full licence held for at least one year, and the main driver must bring a card in their own name. If your licence isn’t in English, pair it with an approved translation or an International Driving Permit. Expect a minimum age of 21 and possible under-25 charges.

What is the West Coast like to drive?

Long, quiet and beautiful, with one-lane bridges, fuel gaps of more than 100 km between some towns, and heavy rain that can close roads with slips. Keep the tank above half, check road conditions after rain, and leave a spare day for weather. See glacier road trips by car and driving the West Coast.

Car or campervan?

See campervan or rental car?, or the glaciers by campervan guide for a longer trip.

Compare car rental at Queenstown Airport

Frequently Asked Questions