Franz Josef Travel Guide

Franz Josef is a town again in existence solely because of its tourist attraction - the 'warm' glacier. One of the few glaciers in the world not receding because of global warming. In fact it is in the middle of a rainforest. Franz Josef is larger however than the next town on surrounding the Fox Glacier.

Franz has such a small population that they dont have proper water filtration systems so make sure you only drink the bottled stuff while youre there.

If you find that you are too tired for the ice walking boots glacier hike, try the scenic helicpter flight with the glacier landing.

If however you are not on a helicopter ride budget I can thouroughly recommend the hike. There are full day and half day options and easy/ beginner climbs to difficult/more competent climber routes.

The scenery changes every day on the glacier because it is constantly moving and new routes are always being made.

If you're lucky you'll spot a 'kea' or alpine parrot.

Everything is provided from raincoats to socks, hats, gloves, boots, crampons, trousers. You even get a certificate at the end.