Tracks & walks in the Franz Josef area
Tracks & walks in the Fox Glacier area
Visiting the Fox and Franz Josef Glacier valleys
Famous for Westland Tai Poutini National Park and Franz Josef Glacier, the Franz Josef area is home to a number of rare and endangered species, including the Okarito brown kiwi.
The Franz Josef Glacier offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience a dynamic glacial environment, in a temperate environment, while being within easy driving and walking distance from the main highway. Location: Franz Josef Glacier is located in Westland National Park on the West Coast, 5 kilometres from Franz Josef township.
The Franz Josef - Waiau Area covers a large area of the southern West Coast. You can hunt deer, chamois, goats and tahr.Location: Franz Josef is one and a half hours drive south of Hokitika. State Highway 6 traverses the area from the Waitaha River south to the Weheka Hills. Many hunting areas can be accessed directly off SH6 but in some places private or leasehold land must be crossed first and permission must be obtained from the landowner.
Okarito is a coastal settlement bounded by ocean, estuary, sea cliffs, lush forest and unsurpassed views of the Southern Alps. Thousands of native birds visit the lagoon and many make their home in the vicinity.Location: Drive 15 km north from Franz Josef Township on State Highway 6 to an Okarito Forks turnoff signposted on the left. Drive 13 km along a sealed road to Okarito.
NZ weather
New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres
Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Safety information
Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.
