Is it better to stay at Fox Glacier or Franz Josef?

Staying at Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier Township has more on offer than its quieter neighbour, Fox Glacier. Franz Josef has more options for shops, eating and drinking. You will also find the Glacier Hot Pools at Franz Josef Glacier.

Thereof Can you stay in Franz Josef? On average, 3-star hotels in Franz Josef cost $164 per night, and 4-star hotels in Franz Josef are $115 per night. If you’re looking for something really special, a 5-star hotel in Franz Josef can be found for $0 per night, on average (based on Booking.com prices).

Can you see Franz Josef Glacier without a tour? Yes! You can hike the trail to the base of the glacier without a guide.

Similarly, How much does it cost to go to Franz Josef Glacier?

Prices

How long does it take to walk to Franz Josef Glacier?

Franz Josef Glacier walk is an easy 1.5 hour round trip walk to the base of Franz Josef Glacier from the car park. Walk past a waterfall along the wide river stone track, suitable for children. You can’t get that close to the glacier face anymore because it’s receded too far.

Can you walk to Fox Glacier? The walk will take you to within about 500m of the glacier terminal face. Even on a cloudy day, Fox Glacier valley looks like it’s from another world. The final section of track to the safety barriers includes a short climb up to the viewing area.

What should I wear to Franz Josef Glacier?

This includes:

• Breathable rain jacket.
• Hiking boots.
• Waterproof over-trousers.
• Crampons.
• Harness & Helmet.

Why is Fox Glacier closed? The access road to the iconic destination of Fox Glacier/Te Moeka o Tuawe in South Westland will be closed for the indefinite future after an engineering report commissioned by DOC and the New Zealand Transport Agency found it was no longer practical to re-establish road access into the valley.

Is the road to Franz Josef Glacier Open?

Open 7.45am 7 days a week and closes at 7.30pm in winter, 8pm in spring and autumn and 9pm in summer. Open 8.00am–8.00pm 7 days per week. Eftpos and credit cards are accepted for most services. Glacier Motors, Franz Josef State Highway 6, Franz Josef.

How close can you drive to Fox Glacier? Fox Glacier village is on State Highway 6 and is 158km 2 hours by car from Hokitika, 262km 3 hours and 15 minutes by car from Wanaka and 25 minutes by car from Franz Josef Glacier village. Fox Glacier is just five kilometres from the village. Check out the Daily Glacier Access Update before your visit.

Can you see Fox Glacier from road? To see the glacier, you can head towards Lake Matheson on Cook Flat Road for magnificent views. You can arrange an ice-hiking adventure or booking a scenic flight. There are glow worm caves just a short walk from the town centre, which offers a good choice of cafes and restaurants.

How many days do you need in Franz Josef? How Many Days Should I Spend in Franz Josef? One day is more than enough to see everything in Franz Josef.

How cold is Franz Josef Glacier?

What is this? Temperatures are low: 5 – 15°C (41-57°F), but the weather is more stable than during other seasons. Winter has the clearest days; everything is clean and pristine. Highlight: The ice moves less in winter, resulting in amazing ice features like crevasses and ice caves which stay much longer.

What do they need to wear to walk on a glacier?

What do you need to bring?

• Waterproof hardshell. When you’re out on a glacier to walk in Iceland, it will probably rain. …
• Good shoes (boots) …
• Non-denim pants (trousers for the Brits) …
• Something warm (layers) …
• Food and snacks.

Where is the Franz Josef Glacier found? From its origins high in the Southern Alps, the Franz Josef Glacier (Kā Roimata-a-Hine Hukatere) descends into the lush native rainforest of Westland’s National Park. This descent occurs from a height of 3,000m above sea level to 500m over a distance of 9km, making it one of the steepest glaciers in the country.

Is Franz Josef Glacier melting? Franz Josef glacier is in retreat. … It found between 2000 and 2019, glaciers lost on average a total of 267 gigatonnes [a gigatonne is a billion tonnes] of mass a year, and that rate was accelerating by an estimated 48 gigatonnes per year, each decade. The loss of New Zealand’s glaciers is speeding up too.

How long does it take to drive from Greymouth to Fox Glacier?

Yes, the driving distance between Greymouth to Fox Glacier is 196 km. It takes approximately 2h 19m to drive from Greymouth to Fox Glacier.

Can I drive to Fox Glacier? Fox Glacier village is on State Highway 6 and is 158km 2 hours by car from Hokitika, 262km 3 hours and 15 minutes by car from Wanaka and 25 minutes by car from Franz Josef Glacier village. Fox Glacier is just five kilometres from the village. Check out the Daily Glacier Access Update before your visit.

Is Franz Josef open?

The coverage is generally centred around the region’s towns with gaps of little or no reception in between. Franz Josef village: Four Square Supermarket, 24 State Highway 6, Franz Josef. Open 7.45am 7 days a week and closes at 7.30pm in winter, 8pm in spring and autumn and 9pm in summer.

How can I watch Fox Glacier for free? To see New Zealand’s glaciers up close for free, you can hike up to the terminal face of the glacier. It’s a self-guided, fuss-free and affordable way to be as close to the glacier as you can without having to pay for a guide. Of course, for a small fee, you can also have a guided tour.

Are dogs allowed at Fox Glacier?

Fox Glacier is pet friendly! If you need help deciding where to stay, play, or eat with Fido, you’ve come to the right place.

What is the best time to visit Franz Josef Glacier? Franz Josef Glacier Guides operates glacier hikes year round. It’s well worth putting on an extra layer and getting out and exploring during wintertime, it’s one of the most spectacular times to visit the glacier. In fact, some say a visit to Franz Josef Glacier during winter is the best time to visit.

Can you hike Franz Josef Glacier?

If you choose to forgo the glacier walk, you can still enjoy incredibly scenic hikes in the areas surrounding the glacier. The most famous trail is the slightly confusingly named Franz Josef Glacier Walk, which takes hikers past impressive waterfalls and mountain scenery for an up-close view of the glacier.

Can you see Franz Josef Glacier summer? Visiting Franz Josef during the warmer months

In the peak of summer, the sun is shining from 5.30am to 10pm. Daytime temperatures range from 12°C and 25°C, making it perfect weather for exploring. The area offers a limitless supply of outdoor adventures to be had.

Does Franz Josef have snow?

Visiting Franz Josef during the colder months

Snow falls at the top of the glacier, but it’s unusual to see snow fall in the township of Franz Josef Glacier because of the low altitude and proximity to the coast. Busy times in the centre!

What to do in Franz Josef when it’s raining? Franz Josef Glacier’s TOP Rain Day Activities

• Franz Josef Wilderness Tours.
• Across Country Quad Bikes.
• Waiho Hot Tubs.
• Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools.
• Glacier Valley Eco Tours.
• Jade Carving and Gem Stones.
• West Coast Wildlife Center.

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