There’s something truly magnificent about glaciers. When you think about the history and age as well as the enormity and scale of these frozen wonders, you can’t help but be curiously in awe.
We visited both Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier with our kids and would definitely recommend to make the stop on your South Island adventure.
Franz Josef is one of the biggest glaciers in the South Island (there are actually heaps in New Zealand!). And, one of the two easiest to get too.
In many parts of the world the main method of exploring glaciers is by ice tour and helicopter. But due to the lower altitude of reach from Franz Josef, this iconic New Zealand glacier can be seen with only a short walk. It’s perfect for a great day out with kids.
- About Franz Josef Glacier
- Franz Josef Glacier walk
- Quick facts about the track
- When to visit
- Franz Josef Glacier walk with kids
- Peter’s Pool
- Sentinel Rock
- Know before you go
- Getting there
- Where we stayed
About Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier is located in the amazing Westland Tai Poutini National Park. This park borders the highest peaks in the South Island, including Aoraki Mount Cook.
What makes the walk to Franz Josef Glacier unique (apart from the fact it is even doable!) is the low altitude it reaches. Franz Josef glacier descends right down to 250m above sea level, to where the rainforest grows. Thus, walking the bush track to see the glacier is a beautiful experience.
Many visitors do come to Franz Josef hoping to be able to walk up to the glacier face and touch the ice. However, this is not the case anymore. Because of the rate of ice melt over the years, the glacier is changing form at a rate that is unpredictable. Helicopters and guided tours are the only way to walk onthe glacier now.
But, the great news is the Franz Josef Glacier track is beautiful to walk and takes you to an observation point that offers fantastic views of the glacier.
There are three popular walks that start from the Franz Josef Glacier carpark. The following details the main Franz Josef Glacier track, as well as the walk to Peter’s Pool and Sentinel Rock.
The main Franz Josef Glacier walk
This is the main track at Franz Josef to the most post glacier view lookout point in Franz Josef.
The walk is split into two parts, starting from the main carpark. The first point of interest is only 15 minutes into the track, emerging from a forest track at the first observation lookout. From there the track descends and follows the old riverbed towards the glacier.
The second part of the track along the riverbed is a flat path, following the Waiho River. Here you can see the incredible, clear glacier water. The route here is not a manicured path, rather a route of shingle and rock at the base of the old riverbed.
The last section of this second half involves a short climb to the final viewing platform for the glacier. Be sure to pay attention to the signs and don’t go past the barriers.
Some quick facts about the track
- Distance: 5 kms
- Route: Double back, return track (track is 2.5 km each way)
- Time needed: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Track difficulty: Easy
- Elevation change: 264m
- Pram/wheelchair access: No
- Toilets: Yes (at the start of track)
- Mobile coverage: No
When to visit
We did the Franz Josef Glacier walk in late May. The temperature is cold leading in to winter, and the first part of the track in mostly in shade for the morning.
Note: In winter, it is not uncommon for the track to be closed due to landslides or ice collapse.
Pay close attention to the warning signs at the start of the track. There are signs explaining where you will get the ‘best view today’ (ie. How far along the track your furthest viewpoint will be).
Doing the Franz Josef Glacier walk with kids
The Franz Josef track is ideal to walk with kids. It’s technically easy, with a well formed first section of track through the bush, and an easy path on the river stones. There’s no need to get your feet wet, and no tricky rock scrambles or anything like that.
Do check the track conditions before starting your trip to avoid disappointing yourself or the kids. We were not able to complete the final section of the walk to Franz Josef Glacier with the kids on our visit due to landslides on the track. There is updated weather information at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre in Franz Josef. And don’t worry if the second part of the track is closed. There are two other accessible walks in the park that are ideal for kids (and reward the whole family with epic views of the glacier).
Peters Pool Walk
Distance: 1.2 km (0.7 mi) roundtrip
Time needed: 30 minutes
From the main Franz Josef carpark, the walk for Peter’s Pool is signposted to the left near the toilets.
The water in Peter’s Pool is highly reflective offering STUNNING views of the surrounding mountains in reflection. The track is flat and easy to do with kids. And about the time they start asking how long the walk will be, you will emerge from the bush in front of the mountain reflections in the pool.
Sentinel Rock Walk
Distance: 900m return via same track
Time needed: 25 minutes
Sentinel Rock Walk is a short, steady climb up to the top of a bush covered rock offering impressive views of the glacier and Waiho River. At the top is a lookout platform with information panels showing dramatic photos of the glacial retreat and resulting change in vegetation in the valley.
Know before you go
- The glacier area can be hazardous with ice and rockfall or warnings of flooding. Be aware of and respect your surroundings.
- All of part of the track can be closed due to weather effects or maintenance. Check with the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre in Franz Josef.
- Dress appropriately. Weather can change rapidly so ensure you take warm and waterproof clothing.
- Carry water and snacks. There are no shops near the track (the closest refreshments are in Franz Josef village).
- Use sun protection and insect repellent for your comfort.
Getting there
The carpark and start of the Franz Josef Glacier walk is easy to find and well sing-posted from the Franz Josef township. It is 4.6km from the centre of the town and follows a well-sealed road.
Where we stayed
Franz Josef village is the nearest accommodation for walking the glacier tracks. If travelling the West Coast by campervan, there are several options for campsites in Franz Josef, Fox Glacier and Haast including:
FRANZ JOSEF: Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Park
Location: 2902 Franz Josef Highway, Franz Josef Glacier
Cost: Powered sites from $48 p/n.
Facilities: Amazing facilities. Great base for exploring Franz Josef. Big playground and jumping pillow. Friendly staff.
FOX GLACIER: Fox Glacier Top 10 Holiday Park
Location: Kerr Road, Fox Glacier 7886
Cost: Powered site from $48 per night
Facilities: All the Top 10 Holiday Park facilities and great location to explore Fox Glacier as a day trip.
HAAST: Haast River Motels/Holiday Park
Location: 52 Haast Pass Highway, State Highway 6
Cost: From $44 NZD p/n
Facilities: Communal kitchen and dining area. Toilets and hot showers. Note: NO pots, plates or utensils supplied. Free Wifi (500 mb per device). Highly recommend visiting Jackson Bay while staying in Haast. We saw dolphins in the bay!
More about travel planning for New Zealand and beyond…
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- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- Skyscanner – This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home).
Read more about New Zealand
- An epic South Island adventure: 25 campsites we can recommend.
- Hiking Roys Peak Track in Wanaka with kids.
- The perfect day trip to visit Milford Sound in winter.
- Wairere Falls Track: North Islands tallest waterfall.
- The Hooker Valley Track: Is this New Zealand’s best family day walk?
- The best one week South Island campervan itinerary.
Have you done any of the Franz Josef Glacier walks with kids? Tell us what you thought!