Franz Josef Glacier

Travel Guide

A glacier valley surrounded by lush green mountains and waterfalls.
A glacier with a waterfall cascading down a steep cliff.
A glacier valley with steep, forested mountains and a clear sky.
A lush green valley with a river, surrounded by dense forest and mountains.
A mountain landscape with a reflective lake, lush greenery, and a glacier in the distance.
Rainforest Retreat

Rainforest Retreat

4 out of 5
46 Cron Street Franz Josef Glacier
$56 nightly
The price is $64 total per night from Sep 24 to Sep 25
$64 total
Sep 24 - Sep 25
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this holiday park in Franz Josef Glacier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Popular attractions Westcoast Wildlife Centre and Waiho Hot ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (966 reviews)
"Front desk staff were pleasant and as helpful as possible. Stayed at the 'Gecko' units. Difficult to find despite directions from staff and a map... Met another couple up there who were having issues finding their lodging as well. Bed had a couple of small frayed holes in the bottom sheet. Mini fridge ..."

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2026

Rainforest Retreat
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

4 out of 5
36 Main Road, State Highway 6 Franz Josef Glacier
$84 nightly
The price is $98 total per night from Sep 24 to Sep 25
$98 total
Sep 24 - Sep 25
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Franz Josef Glacier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (682 reviews)
"Great place to stay"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2026

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Wild Kea Lodge Franz Josef

Wild Kea Lodge Franz Josef

2.5 out of 5
9 Cron St Franz Josef Glacier West Coast
$39 nightly
The price is $45 total per night from Oct 21 to Oct 22
$45 total
Oct 21 - Oct 22
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this lodge in Franz Josef Glacier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Our Lady of the Alps and Westcoast Wildlife ...
9/10 Wonderful! (174 reviews)
"Helpful staff, clean room, clean and spacious kitchen.And FREE COFFEE + MUFFINS + SOUP. There was hardly anyone when we stayed here coz probably it was winter plus it was raining the whole week so we had the whole lounge and kitchen to our selves. They also have lots of games for everyone so you ..."

Reviewed on Aug 29, 2026

Wild Kea Lodge Franz Josef
See all 61 properties in Franz Josef Glacier
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Punga Grove

Punga Grove

3 out of 5
Cron Street Franz Josef Glacier
Stay at this aparthotel in Franz Josef Glacier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (285 reviews)
"Perfect location, spacious clean rooms and good facilities. Friendly and helpful staff."

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2026

Punga Grove
Glenfern Villas

Glenfern Villas

4.5 out of 5
State Highway 6 Franz Josef Glacier
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Franz Josef Glacier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (381 reviews)
"Great place to stay will come back again."

Reviewed on May 21, 2026

Glenfern Villas
Franz Josef Treetops

Franz Josef Treetops

3.5 out of 5
64 Cron Street Franz Josef Glacier West Coast
Stay at this vacation home in Franz Josef Glacier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Waiho Hot Tubs and Glacier Hot Pools ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
"The accommodation was excellent. Very clean and tidy. Great amenities and nice and close to everything."

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2026

Franz Josef Treetops
See all properties in Franz Josef Glacier
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Franz Josef Glacier attractions

Glacier Hot Pools

8.8/10 (164 reviews)
You can take time to visit Glacier Hot Pools during your travels to Franz Josef Glacier. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the stunning glacier views in this quaint area.
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Things to do

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

$550
per adult
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
25 Minute Glacier Explorer: 1 Glacier with Alpine Landing

Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

$235
per adult
Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing
Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass

Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass

$39
per adult
Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass
Mt Cook Supreme: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings - 60mins

Mt Cook Supreme: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings - 60mins

$534
per adult
Mt Cook Supreme: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings - 60mins
Franz Josef: Franz Josef Glacier Lookout Guided Walk

Franz Josef: Franz Josef Glacier Lookout Guided Walk

$66
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Franz Josef: Franz Josef Glacier Lookout Guided Walk
Kayak Classic - 3 Hr Kayak Adventure Franz Josef Glacier

Kayak Classic - 3 Hr Kayak Adventure Franz Josef Glacier

$89
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Kayak Classic - 3 Hr Kayak Adventure Franz Josef Glacier
See all activities in Franz Josef Glacier

Frequently asked questions

Is Franz Josef Glacier worth visiting?
Franz Josef Glacier is worth visiting for its unique attractions and experiences. Travelers can enjoy the soothing waters of the Glacier Hot Pools, perfect for relaxation. The area also features Our Lady of the Alps, offering a different kind of local interest. These provide distinct options for a visit.
When is the best time to visit Franz Josef Glacier?
Franz Josef Glacier offers cooler temperatures year-round, with a snowy season from June through October, ideal for experiencing its glacial landscape. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and potentially better value, the quieter months of May through August are a good option.
What is Franz Josef Glacier known for?
Franz Josef Glacier is known for its Glacier Hot Pools, offering travelers a place to relax. This New Zealand destination is also home to Our Lady of the Alps and the Waiho Hot Tubs, providing additional opportunities for travelers to unwind and enjoy the area.
What is a good itinerary length for Franz Josef Glacier?
A good itinerary length for Franz Josef Glacier is two to three days to enjoy the Glacier Hot Pools, visit Our Lady of the Alps, and take a scenic helicopter flight over the glacier. For an extended stay of four to five days, travelers can also experience the Cruise & Rainforest Walk Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary and relax at the Waiho Hot Tubs. See Franz Josef Glacier Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Franz Josef Glacier?
Franz Josef Glacier offers breathtaking natural beauty and unique ways to experience its landscapes:

  • Take a scenic helicopter flight over the Franz Josef Glacier.
  • Cruise and walk through the rainforest at Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary.
  • Relax at the Glacier Hot Pools.
  • Visit the Westcoast Wildlife Centre.
  • Discover Lake Mapourika with a scenic cruise.

How do I plan a trip to Franz Josef Glacier?
To plan your trip to Franz Josef Glacier, book flights, rental cars, and accommodation on Expedia in advance. Consider popular activities like scenic helicopter flights or a Cruise & Rainforest Walk Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. For weather flexibility, always have indoor options like the Glacier Hot Pools or Waiho Hot Tubs in mind.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Franz Josef Glacier?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Franz Josef Glacier by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Franz Josef Glacier with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Franz Josef Glacier trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Franz Josef Glacier?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Franz Josef Glacier can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Franz Josef Glacier trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Franz Josef Glacier trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Franz Josef Glacier trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Franz Josef Glacier trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Franz Josef Glacier?
If it's your first trip to Franz Josef Glacier, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Franz Josef Glacier hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Franz Josef Glacier hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Franz Josef Glacier

A glacier with a crevasse, snow-covered mountains, and a partly cloudy sky.

Westland Tai Poutini National Park

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