Activities at Franz Josef Glacier
Tracks and walks
There are a number of short and longer walks within the glacier valley. There are also commercial guides available to guide you on these walks and provide further valuable information.
It’s a 4-hour climb to the top of Alex Knob. The track zigzags up to Rata Lookout for a view of the Franz Josef Glacier. From there follow the marked track to the summit.
Follow the Callery-Waiho Walk as it climbs to a high terrace before descending to the Callery River. The track then continues on to the Roberts Point Track.
Canavans Knob Walk is now open after extensive upgrading.
The Douglas Walk is an easy one-hour forest walk that passes by the Peters Pool viewpoint and crosses several moraines before descending to the bridge across Dolly Creek on the way back to the road.
The 40-minute walk to the terminal face of the Franz Josef Glacier follows a rocky path over riverbed. Only experienced and prepared visitors should attempt climbing on the glacier.
The Lake Wombat Track leads you through a lush rimu forest to the idyllic Lake Wombat.
The Roberts Point Track requires a good level of fitness. After walking one hour you will reach Hendes Hut. From there the track continues to climb on to Roberts Point where the glacier views are spectacular.
Just a short distance south of the Franz Josef Township you will come to the Glacier and Sentinel Rock walks. The Sentinel Rock Lookout offers impressive views of the glacier, the valley and Waiho River.
The 80-minute return Tatare Tunnels Walk follows an old 4WD road to a junction with the Callery/Waiho Walk. From there follow the track to the old water tunnels.
Follow the Terrace Walk as it winds through forest and goes by remnants of past goldmining operations.
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