|
 Located
on the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand, 148 kms south of
Greymouth and 25 Kms from Fox Glacier, Franz Josef is a small town with a
population of 320.
Franz Josef town is 5 km from the Franz Josef Glacier terminal face.
Its accessibility makes it a major tourist attraction and the reason why
many people visit Franz Josef.
The 12 km long Franz Josef Glacier is one of New Zealand's most spectacular
natural attractions, a remnant from the Ice Age which is one of South
Westland's major draw card for visitors.
The town is also 20 minutes walk from the Westland National Park.
At Franz Josef there is a range of activities ranging from the walks on
Franz Josef Glacier with a duration of 3 hours, bush walks, scenic
helicopter flights of Mt Cook, Fox, Tasman and Franz Josef Glaciers, to name
a few of the activities that are available.
Visitors to Franz Josef will find a small but comfortable township with a
First Class hotel, a good selection of motel, hostel and motor camp
accommodation and several restaurants.
Despite being in the wilderness, the town has all essential services
including a good garage, a district nurse and Visitors Centre and Department
of Conservation Office.
Franz Josef Glacier is served by various
coach and bus operators
providing regular daily services north to
Nelson,
Westport,
Greymouth,
Fox Glacier
and south to
Wanaka and
Queenstown.
There is no direct air service to Franz Josef Glacier. The nearest airport
for air services from Christchurch is
Hokitika.
There are no passenger train/rail services from Franz Josef Glacier to Fox
Glacier, Queenstown, Wanaka, Hokitika, Greymouth, Westport, Nelson or
Christchurch. |
