Viewpoint
Franz Josef Glacier Viewpoint
The Franz Josef Glacier Viewpoint is the closest you can get to the glacier without actually strapping on crampons and walking on the ice, and the hike to lookout is definitely worth it just to soak in the sheer natural beauty!
The Franz Josef Glacier Viewpoint is the primary viewing area for those seeking a glimpse of the glacier ice but are not planning on a heli-hike.
Located within the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, the viewpoint is accessible by a short 2.5 km trail called the Franz Josef Glacier Walk that starts from the Franz Josef Glacier Car Park (about 3 miles or 5 km from Franz Josef township).
Though rated moderately difficult, as the name implies, most visitors should be able to easily hike the trail to the viewpoint.
Planning a trip to see the glacier? Visit our Franz Josef Glacier home page for the complete rundown on every single detail!
What Can You See From the Viewpoint?
A lot! The payoff from the relatively easy hike is enormous! Here’s what you will see:
- Franz Josef Glacier: You get beautiful views (albeit from a distance) of the stunning Franz Josef Glacier with its jagged-blue ice terminus cliff.
- Waiho River & Valley: The viewpoint is on the banks of the Waiho River formed from the ice meltwater. A stark landscape carved by the glacier’s retreat featuring water flowing through rocky moraines on braided riverbeds.
- Rainforest: A lush, dense-green rainforest covers the surrounding mountains and cliffs, and the contrast with the icy glacier is simply stunning!
- Waterfalls & Icefalls: Along the hike and from the viewpoint, you’ll see melting ice and water cascading down steep valley cliffs.
- Birds: The viewpoint and the trail are prime locations for spotting the kea, New Zealand’s alpine parrot! Other birds you might see are fantails (small birds with a distinctive fan-shape tail) and tomtits (small and plump with a large head).
Franz Josef Glacier Viewpoint Hours
The Franz Josef Glacier Viewpoint is open year-round 24×7!
However, you are advised to visit during daylight hours, both to be able to take in the views while there is light and to hike the short trail to the viewpoint safely.
Is the Franz Josef Glacier Viewpoint Open Now?
While the Franz Josef Glacier Viewpoint is open 24×7 all through the year, note that the Franz Josef Glacier Car Park (the parking lot from which the Franz Josef Glacier Walk to the viewpoint starts) and the access road to the parking lot may be officially closed due to weather or maintenance.
To check if the Franz Josef Glacier Viewpoint is closed, you can visit the Department of Conservation’s daily status update page or contact the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Center.
Franz Josef Glacier Viewpoint Map
The Franz Josef Glacier Viewpoint is located in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island.
Expand our Franz Josef Glacier Map to get driving directions and locate the viewpoint.
Visitor Tips
Please respect the posted signs and barriers! The glacier is unstable and walking down to the terminus is extremely dangerous.
Bring a rain jacket for unpredictable downpours and insect repellent for sandflies, a common pest. Wear sturdy hiking shoes since the trail can be slippery after rain.
Plan on reaching the viewpoint early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the tour bus crowds.