Map
Franz Josef Glacier Map
The Franz Josef Glacier map below shows the location of the glacier on the west coast of South Island, New Zealand, and the main attractions near the glacier.
Please expand the Google map for details on key locations like the Franz Josef Glacier Car Park, the Franz Josef Glacier Walk and Viewpoint, and for driving directions.
Planning a trip to see the glacier? Visit our Franz Josef Glacier home page for the complete rundown on every single detail!
Best Things to Do in South Island, New Zealand
South Island, New Zealand Activities & Best Tours Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Heli-hike, Glacier + Snow Landing, Mount Cook + Glaciers, Tandem Skydive, Guided Valley Walk Milford Sound Boutique Cruise, Small Group Cruise, Full day Tour + Cruise, Luxury Cruise, Flyover Queenstown Shotover River Jet Boat, Skydive, Lord of the Rings Tour, Zipline, ATV, Wine, Farm Dinner, Gourmet Food Tour
Key Highlights Marked on Franz Josef Glacier Map
1. Franz Josef Glacier
A river of ice tumbling from the Southern Alps to near sea level, Franz Josef Glacier is one of the world’s most accessible glaciers—and a bucket-list must for hikers and heli-adventurers.
2. Westland Tai Poutini National Park
This World Heritage-listed park protects a dramatic collision of ancient rainforests, glacial rivers, alpine peaks, and rare wildlife—making it one of New Zealand’s most diverse wilderness regions.
3. Franz Josef / Waiau
The gateway village to the glacier, Franz Josef township offers cozy lodges, quirky cafes, hot pools, and plenty of adventure outfitters for all-weather fun.
4. Waiho Bailey Bridge
Spanning the fast-flowing Waiho River, this essential single-lane bridge is a lifeline for the West Coast, famously rebuilt in days after a massive 2019 flood washed away the original.
5. Franz Josef Glacier Car Park
The main access point for glacier walks and tracks, this car park is just a short drive from the village and your launching pad into a world of ice and rainforest.
6. Roberts Track Views Platform
A short detour rewards walkers with sweeping views of the Waiho Valley and the ever-changing snout of Franz Josef Glacier—bring a zoom lens.
7. Start Alex Knob Trail
This challenging full-day alpine climb starts here, promising one of the most spectacular panoramic glacier views on a clear day—clouds permitting.
8. Trident Creek Falls
Hidden in plain sight along the glacier walk, these thundering falls emerge from the cliffs like liquid silver—especially dramatic after rainfall.
9. Sentinel Rock Walk
A short uphill trail leads to the top of a rocky outcrop with commanding views over the glacier valley—an ideal spot to visualize the glacier’s retreat since the 1800s.
10. Z Aviation – Franz Josef Airfield
Home base for heli-hikes and scenic flights, this airstrip is where your icy adventure begins—strap in for unforgettable views and alpine landings.
11. Robert’s Point Track
A challenging hike, this trail features swing bridges, waterfalls, and a wild track to a viewpoint overlooking the glacier’s face.
12. Franz Josef Glacier / Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere Walk
This well-maintained Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk winds through rainforest and glacial moraine to a safe viewpoint, rich in Māori legend and geological drama.
13. Peters Pool
A tranquil kettle lake with mirror-like reflections of the glacier and mountains—an easy 25-minute return walk for a photo op straight out of a postcard.
14. Waiho River
Fed by glacial melt, the milky Waiho River carves through the valley with raw force—shifting channels and flooding potential make it both powerful and unpredictable.