Bella Vista's Blog

Franz Josef Glacier Village is one of those places you’ll never forget. Tucked away on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, this stunning destination offers everything from breathtaking natural beauty to thrilling adventures and a welcoming community. 

Slightly larger than its neighbour, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef stands out with its unique combination of towering rainforests and ice-blue glacier, making it a must-see spot for any traveller. 

As locals here at Bella Vista Franz Josef, we’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of your time in this incredible spot. We’ll share the top Franz Josef things to do, including activities, places to eat, and tips to help you get the best experience possible. And, of course, we’ll explain why you should choose Bella Vista as your accommodation option in Glacier Country. Let’s dive in! 

What To Do in Franz Josef 

Franz Josef is a diverse destination, featuring rainforest-covered hills, blue ice caves, and glacial rivers. This unique combination creates a rich environment full of experiences, catering to a wide range of travellers. Here are some of our top activities to add to your itinerary:  

1. Explore the Franz Josef Glacier 

Glacier Valley Walk: This 30-minute return walk is a perfect introduction to the Franz Josef Glacier. The gentle walk takes you to a viewpoint offering stunning views of the glacier’s terminal face, providing a fantastic photo opportunity. It’s suitable for all fitness levels, making it an accessible option for families and casual walkers. 

Helicopter Flights: For those seeking a thrilling aerial perspective, a helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier is a must. Fly above the glacier to witness the breathtaking ice pinnacles, deep crevasses, and the surrounding lush rainforest. The scenic views are nothing short of spectacular. 

Glacier Heli Hike: Combine the best of both worlds with the Glacier Heli Hike, a guided trek on the glacier itself. After a thrilling helicopter flight, you’ll hike across the glacier, exploring its icy features, including crevasses, seracs, and blue ice caves. No two trips are ever the same, as the glacier is constantly changing, offering a unique adventure every time. 

Air Safari: For those that prefer a fixed-wing option over a helicopter, hop on a flight with Air Safari over Franz Josef. See the glacier from a different perspective, as well as nearby Aoraki Mt Cook, glacier lakes, and the stunning West Coast. It’s an incredible way to take in the vast and varied landscapes of the region. 

2. Discover Scenic Walks 

Terrace Walk: This easy 10-minute walk takes you through lush forest, and after dusk, it’s a great spot to see glow-worms with the help of a flashlight. A serene and magical experience, especially after dark! 

Sentinel Rock Walk: A 20-minute climb that rewards you with sweeping views of the glacier and surrounding valley. It’s a short but worthwhile walk with stunning views. 

Peters Pool Walk: For a peaceful experience, take a 20-minute return walk to Peters Pool, a serene reflective lake. The still waters perfectly mirror the incredible glacier, offering a calm and beautiful scene. 

Roberts Point: This challenging 5.5-hour return walk is one of the most demanding day hikes in the Franz Josef Glacier valley. For experienced hikers, it provides incredible views of the glacier and its surroundings. 

Alex Knob Track: An 8-hour return walk for seasoned hikers, this track offers some of the best alpine vistas in the region. The effort is well worth the reward, with panoramic views of the glacier, mountains, and valleys. 

3. Relax and Unwind 

Waiho Hot Tubs: After a day of exploration, relax in a private hot tub filled with pure glacier water at Waiho Hot Tubs. These firewood-heated glacier hot pools offer the perfect way to unwind, surrounded by nature’s beauty. 

Franz Josef Wildlife Centre: Visit the local Wildlife Centre to meet some of New Zealand's rarest species, such as kiwi birds. The interactive exhibits offer insight into the unique flora and fauna of the region, making it an informative and enjoyable stop for nature lovers. 

Where To Eat In Franz Josef 

Alice May Restaurant & Bar 

Conveniently located next door to Bella Vista, Alice May is a cosy restaurant known for its hearty, homemade New Zealand cuisine. Treat your tastebuds to the famous venison pie or indulge in the melt in your mouth lamb shanks, all whilst enjoying spectacular views of the Southern Alps from the courtyard. 

The Landing Restaurant & Bar 

A well-known local spot, The Landing, is famous for their friendly, no fuss, legendary 'West Coast Hospitality’ combined with their delicious meals. Their menu features everything from gourmet burgers to fresh seafood, complimented by an excellent selection of beers and wines. The best part? This eatery is only a 2-minute walk from our Franz Josef motel - an easy trip after an action-packed day! 

SnakeBite Brewery 

Another must-visit favourite is the SnakeBite Brewery, less than 200m from Bella Vista. This boutique brewery serves award-winning craft beers, boutique wines, and a menu inspired by Asian flavours. They also serve breakfast, so you won't want to miss their freshly baked goods with your morning coffee!  

FAQs About Franz Josef 

How do I get to Franz Josef Glacier Village? 

Franz Josef is easily accessible via State Highway 6. Enjoy scenic drives from Hokitika (about 2 hours) or Wanaka (around 4 hours). Check NZTA for road updates and conditions, especially during winter. 

How long should I stay in Franz Josef? 

A stay of two to three nights is ideal to fully experience the village’s highlights and account for weather-dependent activities.  

What is the best time of year to visit? 

Franz Josef Glacier is the ultimate destination for all-season adventures. Summer (Dec-Feb) is a popular time of year as it's a great way to escape the heat, explore the snowy mountain and glacier, walk in the bush, see the seasonal birds like white heron. 

Winter is quieter in Franz Josef village and offers a different experience with much more snow on the mountain. You can also still enjoy all the activities like kayaking, boat or fishing tours, helicopter flights, heli hikes and the West Coast Wildlife Centre, but make sure you're bundled up! 

What’s the best way to see the glacier? 

Helicopter tours offer the most spectacular views and the opportunity to land on the ice. For those who prefer to stay on the ground, the Glacier Valley Walk provides an excellent alternative. 

Why Stay at Bella Vista Franz Josef Glacier? 

1. Prime Location 

Our Bella Vista motel is ideally located, just a short stroll from the village’s vibrant cafés, restaurants, and activity providers. Despite being close to all the action, the motel offers a quiet and welcoming retreat where you can relax with mountain views, after a busy day exploring. 

2. Quality Accommodation 

As a Qualmark 4-star-rated, self-contained, and serviced motel, we pride ourselves on delivering comfort and convenience. Guests enjoy free high-speed Wi-Fi, complimentary off-street parking, and a variety of room options, including spacious family units and studios with spa baths. We also cater to young families, with portable cots available upon request.  

3. Warm and Comfortable 

Our rooms at our Franz Josef motel are designed to keep you warm and cosy on cooler evenings, with electric blankets and excellent heating. For added convenience, we offer a guest laundry and Smart TVs in every room, so you can unwind with your favourite shows after a day of adventure. 

4. Going Above and Beyond 

Kickstart your mornings with a delicious continental breakfast delivered straight to your room. And if you’re unsure what to do next, our local activity booking service is on hand to help you make the most of your time in Franz Josef. 

5. Eco-Friendly Practices 

At our Franz Josef accommodation, we are committed to sustainable tourism. We actively monitor our CO2 emissions and promote recycling throughout the property. We also support kiwi chick conservation efforts through our sponsorship program with the West Coast Wildlife Centre. By hanging a 'No Service' sign on your door to decline housekeeping, you help conserve energy and water, preserve resources, and reduce waste. Plus, we will donate $1 to support the care of these endangered birds. When you stay with us, you can rest assured that you're helping to preserve this beautiful environment. 

6. Seasonal Packages 

We offer exclusive packages to help you get the most out of your experience, no matter the time of year. Winter travellers can enjoy the “Soak, Stay & Dine” package, which includes a night’s accommodation, a relaxing 1-hour soak at Waiho Hot Tubs, and a dining voucher for Snake Bite Brewery. 

At Bella Vista Franz Josef Glacier, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable and memorable stay. 

Book Your Stay at Bella Vista Franz Josef Today 

Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, Bella Vista Franz Josef offers the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and local expertise. Don’t wait—secure your stay now and make Bella Vista your accommodation of choice when exploring the wonders of Franz Josef Glacier Village.