
Franz Josef
new-zealand
About Franz Josef
With its hiking trails, cave tunnels and an icy frontier, Franz Josef is a haven for adventure lovers. You'll find this small town gem on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island at the gateway to the region's glaciers. Discover ancient lakes on a kayaking trip or delve deeper with a tunnel tour into the depths of the earth. There are wildlife centres to visit for a glimpse of New Zealand's adorable kiwi birds and with the Waiho River close by, there's always a peaceful spot for a stroll.
Get the real mountain experience at a Franz Josef hostel in a chateau with a crackling log fire to warm up by. Unwind after a day of exploring the Franz Josef Glacier at a hostel with a spa pool or save some money at a place that includes a free dinner with your stay. Keep in touch with home at accommodation with free Wi-Fi and make new friends at Franz Josef hostels with cosy common rooms.
Thanks to the town's small size, you're never far away from adventure no matter where you base yourself in Franz Josef. All roads lead to nature walks or adrenaline-pumping experiences. For something a little quieter, Okarito is another small town half an hour away that's home to a serene lagoon surrounded by rainforest and birds. To visit the beach, drive for about an hour to Bruce Bay, which has a windswept rocky shoreline to explore.
The main draw of the town is the Franz Josef Valley. Take on a glacier walk past tumbling waterfalls and Callery Gorge, where you can stand on a wooden bridge and watch impossibly blue waters rush past. In Peter's Pool, gaze at the peaks of three mountains reflected on the glassy surface. You can kayak on Lake Mapourika and spot birds along the banks or take in the magic of glow worms lighting up the Tartare Tunnels. To relax, dip into a hot pool deep in the forest or dive into glacial waters for a brisk pick-me-up.
Hokitika Airport is the closest destination for getting into Franz Josef. It's around a 2-hour journey to the town when you take the bus or hire a car. It's handy to have your own wheels for getting to the glacier, though you'll have to do most of the work on foot once you're there. For getting around town, lace on your walking shoes – it's the best way to see all of Franz Josef's natural beauty.
City Info
4 Hostels in Franz Josef
Located in Franz Josef
Let Glow Worm Accommodation be your home away from home. We have a cozy log fire, hot bubbly spa pool, serve delicious free homemade vegetable soup in the evenings and free breakfast in the morning

Located in Franz Josef
Haka House Franz Josef is the perfect starting point to embark on epic adventures in the heart of Glacier Country! With a great location, comfortable rooms and stylish shared spaces, it's the ideal cozy retreat after a day of exploration.
Located in Franz Josef
Oscar and the team are here to look after your needs as well as offering free 24 hour in room WiFi, free tea & coffee, free use of the biggest hot tub in NZ, free Sauna, free push bike.
Located in Franz Josef
Stay in the most private dorm beds in Franz Josef, each with privacy curtains, your own reading light and double power sockets with usb chargers. With our ultimate comfort and privacy, combined with our unlimited FREE WiFi you won't want to get out of bed
Franz Josef is a fantastic destination for backpackers offering a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and affordability. Whether you're planning a short trip or making it part of a longer backpacking journey, this city should definitely be included in your travel itinerary. When looking for accommodation in Franz Josef, hostels provide the best value and opportunity to meet fellow travelers.
Whether you're looking for a social party hostel, a quiet retreat, a centrally located base for exploring the city, or something in between, Franz Josef has options for every type of traveler. Many hostels in Franz Josef offer additional amenities like free breakfast, communal kitchens, outdoor spaces, and organized activities.
When visiting Franz Josef, don't miss the opportunity to:
- Explore the local cuisine and nightlife
- Visit historical landmarks and cultural sites
- Connect with other travelers at hostel events
- Discover hidden gems off the tourist path in Franz Josef