Loading map...
faq.title
faq.subtitle Franz Josef
Yes, but only via helicopter tours. Walking from the valley floor is no longer possible due to glacier retreat. Heli-hike tours available daily.
One day is enough for most visitors. However, 2-3 days is better to allow for bad weather that may cancel helicopter tours.
Very wet! About 4000mm of rainfall annually. Expect rain at any time. Temperatures are mild year-round.
Driving is best. 4 hours from Christchurch or 2 hours from Greymouth. InterCity buses available but limited. Nearest airport is Hokitika (137 km).
Heli-hike tours start from around NZD 500-600 per person. Includes return helicopter flight, equipment and guided walk on ice.
Travel Tips
Useful tips for visiting Franz Josef
Book your helicopter tour for the start of your stay. If cancelled due to weather, you'll have a backup day.
Bring rain jacket and umbrella even on sunny days. Weather changes in minutes.
As the village is very small, buy groceries from Greymouth or before arrival. Prices are higher here.
Try the Glacier Hot Pools for relaxation after a day of adventures.
The free valley walk (1.5 hours return) offers great glacier views and requires no booking.
Reviews
Questions & Answers
Weather
Average temperature by month
Now
14°
14°91%5 м/с
Today18°14°
18°14°Tomorrow18°13°
18°13°Sat17°13°
17°13°Sun18°14°
18°14°Mon17°13°
17°13°Tue17°13°
17°13°Wed19°13°
19°13°19°
11°Jan
19°
11°Feb
17°
10°Mar
15°
7°Apr
12°
5°May
10°
3°Jun
9°
2°Jul
10°
3°Aug
12°
5°Sep
14°
7°Oct
16°
8°Nov
18°
10°Dec
location.transport.title
location.transport.subtitle
Loading...
location.transport.bus
80 $~46.8 $
InterCity
InterCity/GreatSights: Queenstown-Franz Josef from NZ$80 (~8 hours), Greymouth-Franz Josef ~3.5 hours. Local Glacier Shuttles — to glacier car park. 1-3 departures daily
location.transport.taxi
4 $~2.3 $
Small town — limited taxis. Standard NZ rate: flag ~NZ$4, ~NZ$3/km. Glacier Shuttles & Charters offers charter services. Book ahead in peak season
| location.transport.title | location.transport.price | location.transport.app | location.transport.note |
|---|---|---|---|
location.transport.bus | 80 $ ~46.8 $ | InterCity | InterCity/GreatSights: Queenstown-Franz Josef from NZ$80 (~8 hours), Greymouth-Franz Josef ~3.5 hours. Local Glacier Shuttles — to glacier car park. 1-3 departures daily |
location.transport.taxi | 4 $ ~2.3 $ | — | Small town — limited taxis. Standard NZ rate: flag ~NZ$4, ~NZ$3/km. Glacier Shuttles & Charters offers charter services. Book ahead in peak season |
Daily Budget
Prices
Cost of food, accommodation and services
Cafes & Restaurants
Lunch
18 - 30 NZ$
~24.0 $
Restaurant dinner
70 - 100 NZ$
~85.0 $
Breakfast
18 - 28 NZ$
~23.0 $
Street Food
Local dish
10 - 15 NZ$
~12.5 $
Drinks
Coffee
5 - 6 NZ$
~5.5 $
Beer in bar
10 - 14 NZ$
~12.0 $
Local beer
8 - 10 NZ$
~9.0 $
Imported beer
12 - 15 NZ$
~13.5 $
Wine bottle
15 - 25 NZ$
~20.0 $
Fast Food
Big Mac
12 - 14 NZ$
~13.0 $
Groceries
Water 1.5L
2 - 4 NZ$
~3.0 $
Cigarettes
35 - 45 NZ$
~40.0 $
Weekly groceries
180 - 250 NZ$
~215 $
Prices are approximate and may vary by season and area.
Accommodation
Hotels and rental prices
Hostel dorm
35 - 50 NZ$ / night
~42.5 $
Hostel private room
80 - 120 NZ$ / night
~100 $
Guesthouse
100 - 150 NZ$ / night
~125 $
Hotel 2★
90 - 130 NZ$ / night
~110 $
Hotel 3★
140 - 200 NZ$ / night
~170 $
Hotel 4★
220 - 350 NZ$ / night
~285 $
Hotel 5★
400 - 700 NZ$ / night
~550 $
Boutique hotel
250 - 450 NZ$ / night
~350 $
Prices are approximate. Book in advance during high season.
location.payment.title
location.payment.subtitle
location.payment.accepted_cards
VisaMastercard
location.payment.contactless_available
location.payment.atms
limited
location.payment.mobile_payments
Apple PayGoogle Pay
location.payment.cash
Cards accepted at most places. Only 1-2 ATMs in the village - bring backup cash.
location.payment.currency_exchange
New Zealand Dollar (NZD). No currency exchange in village - exchange in larger cities before arrival.
location.payment.tipping
10%
Tipping not expected in New Zealand but appreciated for excellent service.
What to see
Attractions and points of interest
