Franz Josef Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
village in New Zealand
About Franz Josef
The recent spectacular ice retreat at the Franz Josef Glacier has surprised even the experts and shocked local businesspeople who thought the impressive ice river would be a reliable source of income for years to come. The glacier retreated 800m in five years, prompting suggestions of a road up the valley as the ice disappears from view. Although the South Island's steep, low altitude glaciers have always been dramatic in their advances and retreats, the rapidity of the present retreat is remarkable in geological time scales. Between 1893 and the end of its last big retreat 90 years later, in 1983, Franz Josef Glacierrecededabout 3km. Then, between 1983 and 2008, this glacier advanced almost 1.5km after heavy snowfalls. But in the following five years it melted almost 820m. The retreat beg
Top Attractions in Franz Josef
Explore the best things to see and do in Franz Josef:
- ★Air Safaris
- ★Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere Walk
- ★Franz Josef Glacier walk
- ★Glacier Country Helicopters
- ★HeliServices.NZ
- ★Hot pools
- ★Josef Glacier Guides
- ★Skydive Franz
Where to Eat in Franz Josef
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Alice May Restaurant
- 🍴Blue Ice Cafe
- 🍴Full of Beans Cafe
- 🍴Landing Bar & Restaurant
- 🍴Monsoon Bar & Restaurant
Where to Stay in Franz Josef
- 🏨Glenfern Villas
- 🏨Holly Homestead
- 🏨Punga Grove Motels and Suites
- 🏨Ribbonwood Retreat B&B
- 🏨Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
- 🏨Top 10 Holiday Park
Franz Josef Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: