Franz Josef Top 10


Tents and motorhomes are afforded free-draining grassy sites away from the road at this spacious holiday park, 1.5km north of the township. Travellers who prefer four walls can choose cabins (sharing the well-maintained bathroom and kitchen areas) or trim self-contained units. A playground, games room and TV lounge provide distractions during rainy days.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. West Coast Wildlife Centre

0.98 MILES

The purpose of this feel-good attraction is breeding two of the world's rarest kiwi – the rowi and the Haast tokoeka. As well as a chance to hang out with…

2. Peters Pool

3.24 MILES

Formed by centuries of glacial meltwater, this dainty kettle lake girded by native rainforest is an easy 1km-return walk from the main glacier car park…

3. Sentinel Rock

3.61 MILES

Survey the skies before embarking on the short, steep walk to the top of Sentinel Rock: the lookout reveals either impressive views of the glacier valley,…

4. Andris Apse Okarito Gallery

10.38 MILES

Okarito is home to world-class landscape photographer Andris Apse. His precisely composed gallery showcases his beautiful works, which are printed on-site…

5. Fox Glacier Lookout

10.77 MILES

On a clear day, this is one of the best land-based positions from which to see Fox Glacier (though its retreat may mean you see just a snippet).

6. Lake Matheson

11.78 MILES

On a good day, the famous 'mirror lake' reflects extraordinary views of distant Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman in its forest-shaded waters. The best time to…

7. Petr Hlavacek Gallery

12.14 MILES

Admire the gallery space of Czech-born local Petr Hlavacek, regarded by many as one of NZ's finest landscape photographers, and buy a print if you're…

8. Peak Viewpoint

14.42 MILES

It's a very long way from the actual glacier, but this parking area provides a surprisingly good view over fields to Fox Glacier (weather permitting)…