After the main track closed in 2019 due to flooding, the South Side Walkway became the best option for getting close to this giant of the West Coast. It’s a two-hour walk (or a quick bike ride) through the forest and down to the banks of the river where you’ll get a decent view of … Read more
The tiny town of Fox Glacier is home to (or at least close to) some awesome short walks, as well as a scenic beach accessed via a long gravel road. There isn’t much to do in the town itself, but it makes for a good base for exploring the area. Looking for the best things … Read more
If you’re looking for a slightly different angle on the spectacular scenery surrounding Franz Josef, the Canavans Knob Walk could be a good option. It starts at a very scenic car park and then winds up a hill for views towards Franz Josef Glacier. Getting to the Canavans Knob Walk This walk starts around a … Read more
Glacier Country, encompassing the tiny towns of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, is one of the top hiking destinations in New Zealand. You’ll see heaps of beautiful mountain scenes, including the towering glaciers, on walks varying from a few minutes to a full day. We’ve been to this region a few times over years – … Read more
It takes a lot of time and effort to get to Franz Josef, a tiny tourist town on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Those that make the journey are richly rewarded with amazing views of Franz Josef Glacier, as well as plenty of other walks, relaxing hot pools, and a chance to … Read more
Franz Josef Glacier is one of the most impressive natural wonders on the South Island’s West Coast, and the Alex Knob Track will give you by far the best view of it (outside of a helicopter tour). Hiking the Alex Knob Track should take 6-8 hours and there’s heaps to see – the weather is … Read more
Franz Josef is a tiny town on the West Coast of the South Island with one very big attraction – Franz Josef Glacier. There are many tracks in the area which give you views of the glacier (and the valley it’s carved out over the centuries) and Peters Pool is one of the best. The … Read more
There aren’t many DOC campsites (AKA cheap places to camp) on the West Coast, so if you want to sleep close to Fox Glacier / Lake Matheson and you’re on a budget you’d better head to Gillespies Beach. It also helps that it’s a beautiful place, with views of the Southern Alps and awesome sunsets. … Read more
Somewhat overshadowed by nearby Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier is definitely worth hiking to if you’re travelling along the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. You’ll hike through a scenic, glacier carved valley to a viewpoint close to the glacier. You can’t set foot on it (without joining a tour) but the view is … Read more
Have you ever seen a photo on Instagram that inspired you to visit a place? Ever since I saw a photo of Mount Cook reflecting in the calm waters of Lake Matheson I’d wanted to see it for myself. There are two keys to a successful mountain reflection though — a clear day and an … Read more