- New Zealand: 0800 377 378
- Australia: 1 800 044 633
- World: +64 3 962 3280
* Due to fluctuating exchange rates, prices may vary at the time of booking if a tour is based on a different currency from its home country currency.
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For dates, availability & customisations Enquire or Book
Overview
Tours run: November - April (Tuesdays - fortnightly)
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4 Days / 3 Nights
- START - Hokitika/Christchurch
- END - Hokitika/Christchurch
- Walking
Activity Level Guide
EasyAn average level of fitness. Walk 7km, Bike 15km
Well formed tracks and roads with very little incline MildAn average level of fitness . Walk 12km, Bike, 25km
Well formed tracks and roads with average incline ModerateAbove average level of fitness. Walk 20km, Bike 45km
Formed tracks and roads with average to steep inclines at times ChallengingAbove average level of fitness Walk 20+km, Bike 50+km
Partially formed tracks and roads with some steep inclines and possibly some easy river crossingsBush, Rugged Coastline, Gold, Untamed Rivers and Glaciers
What's included
- All accommodation
- All meals
- Fully guided
- Free Tuatara Tours kit bag
- Luggage transport each day
- Walking Poles
- Comprehensive safety systems
The Franz Josef Trail is a four-day fully guided walking tour in the spectacular Te Wahipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. You will experience a number of unique walks that incorporate the dramatic ice formations of Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, historical gold trails, wondrous coastal beaches, captivating lakes and luxuriant West Coast rainforests.
Itinerary & MapDates and Availability?
Tours run: November - April (Tuesdays - fortnightly)
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- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
Customisations?
We can customise tours to suit.
Fitness levels?
We can help you prepare and evaluate your fitness.
Nicky
Hamish
Itinerary & Map
The Franz Josef Trail is a four-day fully guided walking tour in the spectacular Te Wahipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. You will experience a number of unique walks that incorporate the dramatic ice formations of Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, historical gold trails, wondrous coastal beaches, captivating lakes and luxuriant West Coast rainforests.
Larger Map
Day 1: Hokitika to Franz Josef
The Franz Josef Trail departs from Hokitika on a short scenic drive to Ross where you begin four days of unforgettable guided walks on the trail.
Ross is a small West Coast town where New Zealand's largest gold nugget, "The Honourable Roddy" was found. Your guide will take you on an expedition along the Water Race Walkway, which is an historic gold trail that winds its way up the hill behind the township. Stride through the regenerating bush and pass a network of water races that supplied water to the sluicing operations of the Ross Goldfields. There will be an opportunity to pan for gold here. You will walk past old miners huts and dams, and through the rainforest clad hills between the Totara and Mikonui Rivers.
Enjoy a picnic lunch before starting the Hari Hari Coastal Walk. Following the old packhorse tracks alongside the Wanganui River you will experience a mixture of bush and beach walking. Be on the lookout for seals heading off into the surf before you make your way into the lush rainforest via one of the many bridges along the track.
Tonight you will enjoy an evening meal in the interesting alpine village of Franz Josef, nestled at the foot of the Southern Alps.
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Motel
Motel
All the essentials for those on the road.- Usually drive-in access, single level, individual units.
- One or two bedrooms or studio units, with ensuite bathrooms.
- All essentials covered, fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes, laundry facilities available.
- Telephone , TV and internet. Fridge and tea/ coffee making facilities.
- Walking
Day 2: Franz Josef - Franz Josef
On Day 2 of the Franz Josef Trail you depart on foot from the centre of Franz Josef township, your guide will lead the group up to a high terrace behind the village on the Callery-Waiho Walk. The track passes old sluice pipes, which are still used to provide the town water supply. You will walk alongside an old goldmining water-race before descending to the Callery Gorge Bridge.
At Douglas Bridge you will take a look at some interesting plant life within the 40-year old shrub forest on the Douglas Walkway. Next stop along the way is Peters Pool, a kettle lake formed by melting ice in 1800AD. The track climbs onto ancient glacial moraine where your guide unfolds some fascinating natural history on how the glacial landform developed from 1600AD to 1750AD. Spectacular views of the glaciers can be appreciated from here, which makes it the perfect spot to take a break and munch on some lunch.
From this point you begin the Franz Josef Glacier Walk, following a rocky path over the riverbed and along the track that will take you close to the ice. You will be kept busy with boulder hopping, scenic waterfalls and a few small stream crossings.
Enjoy another night in Franz Josef village and a great meal with your group.
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Motel
Motel
All the essentials for those on the road.- Usually drive-in access, single level, individual units.
- One or two bedrooms or studio units, with ensuite bathrooms.
- All essentials covered, fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes, laundry facilities available.
- Telephone , TV and internet. Fridge and tea/ coffee making facilities.
- Walking
Day 3: Franz Josef - Okarito - Fox Glacier
This morning's walk will start in Okarito, a small coastal settlement surrounded by the panorama of ocean, tidal estuary, sea cliffs, lush forest and unsurpassed views of the Southern Alps.
Take a few minutes out to spot some distinctive West Coast beach pebbles as you walk along the foreshore amongst the rocks. At the bridge on a clear day you can see the awe-inspiring mighty Mount Cook and surrounding Southern Alps.
Indulge in amazing panoramic views of the Westland National Park coastline before your guide leads you along the inland route, and then over the Kohuamarua Bluff. This is a great spot to meander through towering rimu, rata and silver pine forest, before dropping down to a quiet sheltered lagoon.
After lunch you can take a peek inside the hut on the old jetty at Okarito. Here you can view old photos of the area and there is a storyboard illustrating the history of Okarito. This afternoon you will then view the dramatic ice on the Fox Glacier Walk. After inspecting ice in the river and enjoying the boulder hopping, you view the striking terminal ice face, which is a spectacular experience.
With a very unique and diverse day of walking under your belt you overnight in the town of Fox Glacier and enjoy restaurant dining with fantastic views of the area.
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Motel
Motel
All the essentials for those on the road.- Usually drive-in access, single level, individual units.
- One or two bedrooms or studio units, with ensuite bathrooms.
- All essentials covered, fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes, laundry facilities available.
- Telephone , TV and internet. Fridge and tea/ coffee making facilities.
- Walking
Day 4: Lake Matheson - Hokitika - Christchurch
Today is the final day of the Franz Josef Trail, before breakfast, you will take in truly stunning vistas on the Lake Matheson Walk. Your group will stroll along a very pleasant track with plenty of viewing platforms for capturing the famous mirror images of Mount Cook, Tasman and La Perous from different angles.
The lake is nestled in ancient forest in the Te Wahipounamu South-West New Zealand World Heritage Area, which includes the Westland Tai Pountini National Park. The lake was formed over 14,000 years ago when the Fox Glacier retreated from its last major advance towards the sea and left a depression which later filled with water.
After your walk around Lake Matheson you will enjoy a hearty and much deserved breakfast before setting off back to Hokitika. The Franz Josef Trail finishes in Hokitika.
Return to Christchurch by:
- TranzAlpine (extra cost)
- Coach (no extra cost)
Ask our team for details.
If you wish to continue your stay in the West Coast region or explore another area of the South Island there are hire car facilities in Greymouth.
- Walking
What's included?
Accommodation
Motel
All the essentials for those on the road.- Usually drive-in access, single level, individual units.
- One or two bedrooms or studio units, with ensuite bathrooms.
- All essentials covered, fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes, laundry facilities available.
- Telephone , TV and internet. Fridge and tea/ coffee making facilities.
*Please note accommodation is double or twin share. If single room accommodation is requested, an additional fee of NZ$394 per person is payable to cover this requirement for the duration of the walk.
Food
You will enjoy great local cuisine; continental breakfasts and hearty packed lunches during the day, and either restaurant meals or wholesome home-cooked fare prepared by your host/hostess in the evenings.
If you have any dietary issues or food allergies, we are happy to cater for these, please advise the office of details when you make your booking.
Alcohol is not included in the tour cost, but is available for purchase most nights or you are welcome to bring a small amount with you for personal consumption if you prefer.
Fully Guided
Our guides are very experienced, friendly walkers and bikers who love to share their knowledge of New Zealand’s flora and fauna and local history. They all hold current first aid certificates, passenger driving licences and are the very best people to ensure your experience will be one to remember.
Exclusive to Tuatara Tours - Tour Kit Bag
To ensure you get the very best out of your journey with the least of fuss, we provide you with a calico kit bag full of useful goodies.
Your Tour Kit Bag Contains the Following
Contents may vary from time to time!
- Tuatara Tours cap
- Tuatara Tours mug
- Tuatara Tours drink bottle
- Tuatara Tours pen
- Tuatara Tours hand sanitiser
- Tuatara Tours tissues
- Tuatara Tours rain poncho
- Tuatara Tours emergency whistle
- Tuatara Tours postcard
- Tuatara Tours brochures
- Field & History Guide of the area
- Bag of Tuatara scroggin
- Bag of Tuatara energy plus snakes
Luggage
Tuatara Tours transports all your luggage for the duration of the tour.
All you carry is a small day pack with your personal gear, drink and lunch.
We do the Rest
What Do I Bring
For your own safety there are a few things that you must bring yourself:
- Footwear with good ankle support – we recommend good hiking boots
- Thermal top wool or polypro
- Thermal bottom wool or polypro or long trousers
- Waterproof parka with hood
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Fleece jacket or woollen jersey
- Woollen or fleece hat
- Gloves
- Medium size day pack
Other things we recommend you bring are:
- Woollen socks
- Hat, sunglasses
- Drink bottle – at least one litre capacity (we supply you with one bottle, but you may wish to bring another)
- Swim wear
- Camera
- Small personal first aid kit including blister block or similar
- Casual attire for the evenings
- Any other personal items
- Your sense of humour
Safety and Risk Management
To ensure maximum safety for all, our guides are certified first aiders and fully qualified drivers. Tuatara Tours operate under a Safety and Risk Management Plan which is regularly audited and approved by a qualified and independent auditor.
Photos
Franz Josef Trail Click on the pic you wish to see in more detail.
History
Franz Josef Trail - Free Field and History Guide
On the Franz Josef Trail we provide you a comprehensive field and history summary of the West Coast from Hokitika to Fox Glacier
- Geology
- Fauna
- Flora
- Did You Know?
- Maori History
- And more...
People
Early Maori called Franz Josef, Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere The Tears of the Avalanche Girl (Hinehukatere).
Maori legend explains very poetically how the glaciers advance from snowfields high in the Southern Alps.
Hinehukatere loved climbing in the mountains and persuaded her lover, Tawe, to climb with her. Tawe fell from the peaks to his death. Hinehukatere was broken hearted and her many, many tears froze to form the glacier.
According to legend, the Maori chief Ngahue was brought to the West Coast of the South Island around 950 AD by the canoe Tahiriangi
Archaeological evidence suggests the first Maori settlers lived a coastal existence; exploring the mountains, bush in search of pounamu (jade or greenstone).
Because of the hardness of pounamu, it was prized for making ornaments tools and weapons of warfare.
Flora and Fauna
Flora: A huge area of the West Coast remains in an almost original state. Some areas nearer the coast have been cleared for farming and mining but there remains huge areas of conifer, broadleaf and beech forests.
Fauna: Because of the large forested areas on the West Coast, the abundance of native birds is greater than in most other parts of New Zealand. Conifer and broadleaf forests tend to support larger bird populations than beech forest because it is richer in food sources.
Before the arrival of man the area was populated by an abundance of bird life. Previously as an important food source for Maori and more recently because of the introduction of cats, stoats, ferrets and weasels by the European settlers, bird numbers and varieties have been drastically reduced.
Fortunately the region hosts a number of rare and protected birds such as kea, the New Zealand falcon, rock wrens, black stilt, wrybills, and black–fronted terns and these can still be seen today.
Introduced deer, thar, and chamois can also be found here and are hunted recreationally.
Industry
Although forestry is still an important industry on the West Coast, logging of nearly all native species has been stopped to preserve the pristine environment for future generations.
Gold and coal mining as well as tourism and fishing are now the main areas of industry in this region.
