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| West Coast, South Island, New Zealand |
Franz Josef Glacier Village, which was once known as Waiho after the river which flows from the glacier to the sea, is located approximately 5 kilometres away from the face of the Franz Josef Glacier. It is located on the west coast of the South Island in the Westland National Park approximately 190 kilometres south of Greymouth. The village was established as part of the gold mining rush on the West Coast, but rapidly became dominated by tourists visiting the Franz Josef Glacier. It is a small village of approximately 270 residents which is the main centre for visitors to this glacial region that is set amongst the rainforest clad foothills of the Southern Alps and the South West New Zealand U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Area. Franz Josef Glacier Village offers visitors an impressive variety of accommodation, general store, cafes, restaurants, art and craft outlets and a service station, plus access to other glacier related activities such as guided tours, white water rafting, horse riding, scenic flights and helicopter trips for heli-hikes into the Alps. Within the village the Department of Conservation maintains a Visitor’s Centre which offers advice on the numerous forest tracks and hikes, such as the walk to Sentinel Rock which is only 10 minutes from the car park and offers a fabulous lookout point over the glacier, the circular Douglas Walk and the Alex Knob Track.
One interesting place of note is the little brown and white St James Church, which was built in 1931 and is today one of the sites registered by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. Built on donated land the church is surrounded by bush in an area of great natural beauty and built of board and battens. The dominant feature of the church is the three plate glass windows behind the alter, which overlook the Franz Josef Glacier and were used to frame the natural glories of the world for the congregation, a theme which was used in the window of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Tekapo. The church became famous when the view behind the alter was printed on a ‘Peace’ stamp in 1946.
Whilst in the area it is worth taking the short 8 kilometre drive north of the village to scenic Lake Mapourika. Lake Mapourika is the largest of the west coast lakes and is known for its very still and unruffled waters, which offer great reflections of the majestic snow capped mountains for the avid photographer. It is also possible to take a guided kayak tour of the lake which is home to local birdlife and abundant native plants. Nearby to the lake is Okarito Lagoon which is known for its eco-tours, kayak tours, enjoyable walks and coastal birdlife, especially the Kotuku, or White Heron, which is extinct in all other areas of New Zealand.
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| Accommodation | Activities | Tours |  |
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Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Village
 |  Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier makes the most of its alpine location and offers accommodation in two separate hotel 'wings'. You can stay in either the Douglas or Graham wing, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings within Franz Josef village. |
Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Franz Josef Village
 |  Te Waonui Forest Retreat is an eco friendly hotel surrounded by rain forest, nestled between the mountains and the sea. Great care has been taken to not only respect and preserve the environment around the hotel, but to celebrate and embrace the raiforest within the hotel's design. Throughout the ... |
58 on Cron Motel
Franz Josef Village
|  58 On Cron Motel was established in 2006. It gets its name from being Number 58 Cron Street Franz Josef, Cron Street runs parallel to State Highway 6 the main road of New Zealand's south island Westcoast. They are situated within a short walking distance of the town centre and opposite the New Glaci... |
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Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk
Walking
Franz Josef Village | This relaxing, interpretive walk to the glacier is the perfect opportunity to learn the role of the Franz Josef Glacier in shaping this remarkable landscape. With strong emphasis on geographical information and the glaciers history, you are able to venture beyond the public barriers and right up to... |
Air Safaris Grand Traverse
Aerial
Franz Josef Village |  The flight of a lifetime, the "Grand Traverse" is a spectacular scenic flight seeing experience allowing you to explore the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks.
You will see beautiful turquoise glacial lakes, golden tussock lands and braided river systems of the Mackenzie basin. Remote High cou... |
Franz Josef Glacier Guide Full Day
Trekking
Franz Josef Village | This all day option takes you into superb scenery, deep in the heart of the glacier. The excellent step-cutting skills of your guide allows you to travel through the most spectacular and challenging glacier terrain imaginable, satisfying even the most ardent of adventures. With 5 - 6 hours on the ... |
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
Aerial
Franz Josef Village | After an exciting scenic flight over all three ice-falls, you land high up on the glacier and undertake a guided walk amongst some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring glacier scenery available. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains as your guide leads you through a wonderland ... |
Franz Josef Glacier Guide Half Day
Trekking
Franz Josef Village | This is a fantastic introduction to enthralling world of ice, traversing spectacular tracks of only moderate difficulty, this experience is suitable for most agile people. The walk is longer in duration than others offered, allowing you more time to enjoy the impressive terrain on the lower reaches... |
Franz Josef Glacier Ice Climbing
Trekking
Franz Josef Village | A day packed with adventure and adrenalin highs. Provided with expert tuition and all technical equipment, this is a great way to introduce you to the exhilarating sport of ice-climbing, whilst still enjoying the dramatic scenery and awesome terrain of the Franz Josef Glacier. Your guide will tail... |
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Contrasts of New Zealand
9 days |  This is a great trip for those that are short of time and want a quick tour of some of the major attractions in New Zealand. Firstly by flying into Auckland and out of Christchurch it saves time and allows you to see more. Auckland is a lovely city and there is plenty to see and do there, great re... |
Great New Zealand Experience
21 days |  This tour certainly is an indepth look at New Zealand and will show you many of the best attractions and sights. From the moment you arrive in Auckland until the day you say farewell, this trip is sure to impress. There are two days in Auckland to enjoy this 'city of sails' before heading to the b... |
New Zealand Adventure
18 days | This 18 day tour of New Zealand is an excellent way to see the major attractions and sights in this wonderful country. From Auckland to the Bay of Islands for two nights where you will have the opportunity to cruise to Cape Brett and the 'Hole in the Rock' as well as some free time to sail or sea-k... |
New Zealand Phenomenon
16 days |  Discover the key attractions of both the North and South Islands of New Zealand over an unforgettable sixteen days. From the moment you arrive in the 'city of sails' to your departure from Christchurch, this tour is sure to impress. From Auckland you travel to the beautiful Bay of Islands for two n... |
Great New Zealand Experience
18 days |  This tour is a shorter version of the 21 day tour of the same name and travellers will arrive in Auckland and travel straight up to the beautiful Bay of Islands where you will be delighted with a cruise to Cape Brett and the famous 'Hole in the Rock' weather permitting. From there back to Auckland ... |
Southern Spectacular
10 days |  This tour is a really good introduction to the South Island of New Zealand and and guests will enjoy the spectacular scenery, friendly people and great food. On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to your hotel and meet your Tour Director for a welcome briefing. The next day this wonde... |
Southern Experience
10 days |  This ten day trip of the South Island of New Zealand is a great way to see all the major attractions and stunning scenery in this beautiful part of the world. On arrival in Christchurch you will be delighted to find your hotel right on Cathedral Square, close to all major attractions. From there yo... |
New Zealand Highlighter
14 days |  Beginning in the North Island, this tour winds its way south, taking in New Zealand's premier attractions along the way. After arriving in Auckland and meeting fellow travellers and your Tour Director, you travel to Rotorua to see the amazing geothermal reserves and also take in some Maori culture ... |
Royal Tourer
18 days | This tour certainly does tick all the boxes for seeing the most well-known attractions in New Zealand and with five two night stays it is more relaxed than other tours. From Auckland to the Bay of Islands, Rotorua to Wellington taking in the geothermal area, the Waitomo Glow-worm caves and the Wait... |
Royal New Zealand - 20 Day
20 days | This is a great tour for those who would like to see the major attractions in New Zealand. After arriving in Auckland and exploring this lovely city you will travel to the beautiful Hokianga and Bay of Island regions before returning and travelling to Rotorua and experiencing the hot pools and the... |
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