Your Complete Guide to the Franz Josef Glacier Walk
The town of Franz Josef, famous for its glacier, offers many excellent and rewarding walks. One of the most popular tracks is the Franz Josef Glacier Walk. This short and easy walk is the highlight of a visit to the town and is the main reason people visit. Here is all the information you need on how to see Franz Josef Glacier, when to go, and highlights of the walk.
Table of Contents
What is the Franz Josef Glacier Walk
Located on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the Franz Josef Glacier is a natural wonder offering breathtaking scenery and dramatic glacier landscapes.
It is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world, suitable for adventurers of all levels.
Aside from a helicopter ride to the glacier, the best way to see it is by doing the valley walk.
The Franz Josef Glacier Hike includes a short trail through lush rainforest leading to a viewing area for the glacier and the surrounding valley.
How Long is the Franz Josef Glacier Walk Time?
The 1.4 km walk takes approximately 20 minutes for a return trip.
Additionally, you can add the Sentinel Rock Walk if you have time and enjoy an uphill climb. The walk branches off from the main track.
Please note that it was previously possible to walk across the riverbed to approach the glacier, which is why some articles mention a longer walk. This route is now closed.
How Easy is the Walk
It is an easy, short walk and is accessible to everyone.
The trail is flat except for the final 1-2 minutes, which involves a gentle uphill climb.
The gravel track is wide enough to allow prams and two-way walking traffic.
What You Will See on the Walk
The walk meanders through the valley and native New Zealand bush.
If it has rained recently, you will see water in the creek beside the track. Otherwise, you can see the dry riverbed. Further, after rainfall, the trail reveals stunning waterfalls in the distance.
During the walk, you will see rugged cliffs and towering mountains.
The highlight of the walk is when you turn around a corner at the end of the trail and see the glacier in the distance. The magical view includes the river, bush and the surrounding Southern Alps.
Sentinel Rock Walk, Franz Josef
The Sentinel Rock Walk is an extension of the main track. The additional uphill hike offers a unique perspective of the glacier’s awe-inspiring surroundings.
As you ascend, you will encounter panoramic views highlighting the glacier and surrounding rugged landscapes.
The steep climb is worth the extra effort if you want to see a different vantage point of this natural wonder.
The short walk features a gentle incline, is a 600-meter round-trip, and takes about 15 minutes to complete.
We find many people skip this walk. However, we consider the glacier view and stunning surrounding valley vistas even more incredible from the viewing platform at the end of the Sentinel Rock Walk.
How to Get to the Start of the Franz Josef Valley Walk
If you have time and like walking, the best way to get to the start of the walking track is to walk from Franz Josef village.
The 4 km one-way walk will take you past the church, across the Waiho River Bridge and alongside the Waiho River. The views are spectacular!
If your time is limited, you can drive to the car park for the walk. From the village, drive south and cross the bridge. Then turn left onto Glacier Access Road.
When you get to the car park, you will see signage with daily updated information about the walk. In case of flooding or rock fall, the track is occasionally closed, so please check the board before going on the walk.
The track starts at the sign stating, “Glacier View at the end of the Forest Walk Viewpoint.”
There are also shuttle buses that take you to the start of the glacier walk. Some will also take you to Fox Glacier.
When is the Best Time to Go
The Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk is available year-round, but the experience varies with the seasons.
The weather is warmer in summer, and the longer daylight hours mean you can go late in the evening.
In winter (June to August), you will encounter a serene, snowy landscape, but be cautious of potentially wet and slippery paths.
After rain, you will see flowing waterfalls and creeks.
However, if your goal is to see the glacier, the best time to go on the walk is when it is sunny and there are no clouds in the sky.
If it is a cloudy day, you may not see the glacier, but given the short length of the walk, it is still worth a visit.
Having been on this walk many times, we have noticed that clear days can quickly turn cloudy in the afternoon. So it is best to go in the morning.
Further, to avoid crowds, go as early as possible before 10 am.
Is Franz Josef Glacier Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! It is a must-do adventure. The unique experience, with its stunning beauty and unique geological features, is an experience you will not forget.
NZ South Island Travel Insider Tips
Can You See the Glacier on a Self-guided Walk?
Yes. You can do the forest walk without a guide. However, note that the Franz Josef Glacier lookout is 1 kilometre from the terminal face.
Is Franz Josef Glacier Walk Free?
Yes! In fact, all the walks in the area are free of charge!
Can You Drive to Franz Josef Glacier?
No, you can not drive to the glacier. In fact, the glacier is retreating every year, so this track is the closest you can get to the glacier without taking a guided helicopter walk onto the glacier.
Can You See the Glacier Without Walking?
Yes, you can see the glacier from the car park. But it is in the distance, and the glacier view is better the closer you get to it. So we recommend you walk the trail.
The best spot to view the glacier from the car park is next to the historic shed- Defiance Hut.
What to Bring on the Walk
Since it is a short walk, you do not need to bring much. However, waterproof gear is advisable for any walk on the West Coast.
Also, always bring drinking water, sun protection, and insect repellent.
Other Things to Know
Please note that no dogs are allowed in this conservation area. Further, drone use is strictly prohibited as it may interfere with helicopter flights to the glacier.
If you are staying local, consider going on the walk at sunrise and sunset for fewer crowds and stunning photo opportunities.
Other Ways to See the Glacier
The best way to see Franz Josef Glacier is on a helicopter ride. Rides start from 15 minutes and fly over the glacier. Some land on the snow-covered mountaintop.
For thrill-seekers, a Franz Josef helihike is the way to go. A guided tour will take you to the glacier, where you can see towering ice formations and shimmering blue ice and experience glacier hiking firsthand. These tours offer valuable insights and an up-close adventure on the glacier.
Whether you choose a helicopter ride or a heli hike, the Glacier Valley walk is an unmissable highlight, providing a unique perspective of the glacier.
Other Walks in the Area
Peters Pool Walk
Before you leave the carpark, you will see a trail pointing to Peters Pool. Having seen the stunning reflections of the mountains in the water, we consider this walk a must-do when visiting Franz Josef.
We have done the glacier walk many times but only recently experienced the Peters Pool Walk. What a missed opportunity! We will definitely include it in our future trips to the area as the reflections are comparable to the famous Matheson.
For more information on the walk, what you will see and why this walk is worth it, including a photo gallery, check out our detailed post on Peters Pool.
Callery Gorge Walk
Seriously, some of the best walks in the country are in the area. If you love being surrounded by nature, we recommend you spend at least 3 to 4 days exploring the area’s trails and the Westland Tai Poutini National Park.
However, if you are short on time, we recommend the Callery Gorge Walk as another favourite in the area.
This walk sees you walking through the rainforest. It leads to a stunning gorge with some of the brightest blue water you have ever seen. The trail is an underrated hidden gem!
For more information on this walk, the lowdown on what you will see, and how to get there, including a photo gallery, check out our story on the Callery Gorge and its blue pools.
If you love going on hikes to see epic West Coast natural wonders, click on the link to discover the best walks on the South Island.
Nearby Attractions
The West Coast of New Zealand has many awe-inspiring attractions.
Consider visiting the Fox Glacier, just a 30-minute drive away, or exploring New Zealand’s famous reflection lake, Lake Matheson.
