The 30 best neighborhoods to see in Franz Josef

West Coast Wildlife Centre is an absolute must-visit if you’re in the area. The staff are so passionate and knowledgeable, it’s clear they care a lot about the conservation of local wildlife - especially the endangered kiwi. A lot of work goes into protecting and supporting the local kiwi population, and now the local penguin community too. A visit to the centre as of 18th October ‘25 now includes a walk through the kiwi habitat and the newly opened penguin enclosure, where the team provide a safe space for the little blue penguins who wouldn’t survive in the wild to live their best life. You’ll learn a lot and see some truly adorable local NZ wildlife. 10/10 absolutely recommend.

Really interesting place to visit in Franz Josef. There are lots of outdoorsy activities to get involved with in this area but if you ever the weather is nit so good, or youre lookjbv for something different to do, and recommend this place. We booked the VIP entrance which gave us access to the kiwi egg incubating/ area and hatching and Tuatara back area. You will see kiwis, Tuatara and little penguins on the standard entrance ticket. It was fascinating and the host was full of interesting facts and info. This is not a zoo. The work being done here is in conjunction with Govt departments and is all about conservation. You will learn alot about these unique animals. You get a chance to see kiwis in as near to a natural environment as is possible. As such, I would not recommend for those with toddlers, as the kiwi area is dark and you are expected to be very quiet in order to catch a glimpse. You choice though. However, there are Kororoa / little penguins to make up for it and they're easily accessible. Coffee area and gift shop here too. Would recommend.

Amazing experience! If you have a rainy day in Franz Josef and looking for an indoor activity, book yourselves the vip backstage tour. In our tour, we learned about the kiwi conservation efforts and even got to see a 23 day old kiwi behind glass being weighed, absolutely adorable. All exhibitions were extremely interesting but the regular kiwi and penguin exhibition was the highlight! Kiwis are kept in dark rooms and they were so easy to spot and very active when we visited. Little blue penguins are so social and curious! Could’ve watched them for hours. 10/10 experience.

If you are looking to learn about what makes New Zealand so special this is your place! We did the VIP backstage, which we HIGHLY recommend. Devin was very knowledgeable and most importantly extraordinarily excited about his work! You could feel the passion oozing out of him. Seeing rare species and learning about the hard work this centre is doing to preserve it was amazing. A must do!

An absolutely wonderful place to learn about and see kiwis, the backstage tour where you can see the kiwi eggs and learn more about how they get and incubate them was definitely worth it! Their gift shop also has a vast selection of kiwi and NZ themed items as well. Highly recommend for anyone in the area or driving through. The penguins and extremely unique Tuataras were also really cool!

I have to agree with some of the lower starred reviews. This was a very expensive experience for not a lot of value. We arrived late in the day, on a wet day…the (2) kiwis on show that day were elusive and the penguins were in their burrows so we didn’t get to see them at all. Would have liked to have learnt more about the rescue operation but it was all based on reading panels which weren’t very engaging - more videos of the kiwis programmes would have been better. If you want a decent experience buy the Backstage pass maybe and be there for the penguin feeding - otherwise very $$$$ for what it was. Took all of 15 minutes to see what we could. And sorry but the exhibits are just not modern or interactive enough for the value.

Tourist trap. Very expensive but the money goes to a good place (maybe?!) so that’s the least of the issues here. The main concern is that… a walk through takes 10 minutes! Maybe 15 if you’re wanting to loiter around in the dark for a bit. I don’t know who would be spending hours here or what they would be doing because there’s really not a lot going on. It’s old and tacky and lifeless and clearly hasn’t had any work done to the experience in the last 35 years (they’re still playing VHS quality videos). Would love to find out who is going back multiple times over a 48 hour period too (anyone?!). If you’re in the area and don’t care about overpriced tourist traps, give it a look just to say you did. Otherwise spend your 32 dollars on 3 litres of petrol and drive elsewhere. Plenty of better places in NZ to see a kiwi. Also give the other 1 star reviews a read, their responses are hilarious.

This was our second visit to this place, and once again, the food was absolutely amazing. We had the beef cheek and lamb shank as our mains both were outstanding. They also offer a special dessert that's worth trying. The atmosphere is cosy and perfect for winter, the staff are so friendly. We absolutely love it here highly recommended 😊

This place is an absolute gem. Who would think, tucked in the back street of a small town, you’d come across a restaurant with soul and character with the most delicious home-made style dishes. The slow cooked beef cheek is literally melt in the mount. The chicken breast is so succulent and flavorful and the portion sizes are quite generous. They have plenty of entree options that unfortunately I did not get the chance to try. And I cannot emphasize enough how amazing the service is. Warm, attentive and super friendly staff. Ps: The second night I dined here, there was a mystery table draw which turned out be be my table number and I ended up receive 20% discount on the bill which was like the cherry on top for my overall amazing time in Franz Josef. In summary: do yourself a favor and dine in Alice may restaurant for a wholesome evening.😄

We had a wonderful experience at the restaurant. It was quite busy when we arrived, and since we didn’t have a reservation, the staff kindly offered us the option to sit outside or wait about 20 minutes for an indoor table. We decided to sit outside, and it turned out to be very comfortable — the area was partially covered, and the staff switched on the heater for us, keeping it pleasantly warm for my elderly parents. Our server, Janice, was friendly and attentive, providing excellent service with a lovely smile. Thank you, Janice! For food, we ordered the Seafood Chowder, Roast Pork, Lamb Shank, and a Whitebait Omelette to share. The Seafood Chowder was filled with generous portions of seafood, The Lamb Shank was tender and flavorful, the Roast Pork was decent though not the best we’ve had, and the Whitebait Omelette could have been a little crisper for our taste. Overall, it was an enjoyable dining experience, and we appreciated the warm service and cozy atmosphere.

Had a fabulous dinner at Alice May. Service was wonderful and food was delicious. Lovely winter evening to have a tasty mulled wine. We had the pumpkin soup, so tasty, whitebait fritter, steak, chocolate fudge cake and apple and blackberry pie. Definitely recommend.

Such a fantastic little restaurant with a lot of charm & an interesting story. The food was flavorful & the dessert (sticky toffee pudding) was delectable, but the service was truly the standout. The staff not only seated us with less than an hour before closing (which we've had severe issues with all over NZ), they were welcoming, friendly & helpful (like offering to take our photo), & they did not rush us even once closing time came around & we still had not had our dessert yet. Strongly recommend you eat here - order the sticky toffee pudding yum 😋👍

Loved this place. Had one of the most delicious dinners here with my mom. Ideal service from all the kind staff wow. Special recognition to Joanna, she made us feel right at home. Her service was impeccable - attentive, professional and knowledgeable with the menu items. Her charisma made a lasting impression on our trip. Thank you, we hope to be back

This restaurant is an absolute gem. Our dinner was fantastic and the best meal we’ve had in New Zealand thus far. The salmon was fresh and perfectly cooked and the accompanying risotto was so flavorful. The soups were also amazing and a great option after exploring Franz Josef all day. I also thought the story behind the name was super interesting.

What a great track! It was a rainy day in Franz Josef, but you can do this track anyway. There was about 10cm of water in the tunnel, so remember to wear waterproof shoes.

What an unexpected adventure! Walk leading to the cave is bit rocky but nothing too dangerous. Part of the walk is currently closed, but we were able to get to the end of the first cave, then it stops with wooden beam. The tunel itself is filled ankle hight with cold water, it’s doable barefoot. Right at the end is nice surprice in the shape of glow worms. Highly recommended track.

Great hike, about 1 hr 20m return. Tunnels at the end of the hike very creepy, ankle deep in water and absolutely no light. Would recommend if you love hiking and history, as well as an adventure!

This was an unexpected amazing pitstop. If you love scenic walks with a sense of adventure this is for you. Our round trip was 1hr 15mins and we really took our time in the tunnel. The tunnel is super comfortable in terms of width and height for the average folk. It was winter when we went so I imagine the water was icy, we wore ankle boots and our feet stayed dry. To those who want to see glowworms, occasionally turn off your lights and look up. We saw soo many and it was truly magical!

Fantastic!! Did it with my 5 & 3.5 year old. 55 mins to the tunnel slow walking gentle climb beautiful bush. 15 mins each way to end of tunnel where there’s glow worms. Took our gumboots which was perfect. Head torches necessary. Ankle deep water mostly. 2hr 40 min total for us. Do it!! Kekrerū & even a white fantail.

The DOC return time is about accurate. You follow a well maintained old 4WD track up to some man-made tunnels. If you're lucky enough, you can spot some cave wetā in their unique habitat. And of course, there are glow worms further down the tunnel. Bring jandals and a good head torch. The water is pretty cold, but we went in April and didn't find it as icy as some have claimed. The walk in the tunnel itself isn't very long, as a section has been closed off. It definitely gives you a sense of adventure.

What an experience! Totally different than normal hikes/walks. Currently the track is closed after the first tunnel which made us unsure about the track but it’s still long enough. You walk up next to the gorge for about 30 minutes first before you enter the tunnel. It’s about 10-15 minutes long if you take your time and take some awesome pictures! Just return at the end! We used water shoes to keep our walking boots dry and had headlamps. You can of course just go in with normal boots and phone lights but your feet/boots will get wet!

This place is just what you need after a hard day's hike, beautiful facilities and great staff make it a very relaxing and enjoyable experience. We visited twice, once on our very own private hot pool for a 45 minute session. You have full privacy sorrounded by a lush fern garden, also have a bathroom and shower. The more affordable public baths are just as good with three different temperature pools. Do your self a favour and make sure you don't leave Franz Josef without at least visiting this place once.

A relaxing experience indeed. Pools are private and in an relaxing environment. Change rooms including a shower and toilet are in the probate pool areas. The change are was clean and heated. Pool water is filled and drained after each time slot. Very relaxing hot pool. Would recommend after a long days hiking or driving.

A lovely and tranquil place to relax and unwind on a busy (hiking) day. It's small (only 3 pools), especially compared to Hanmer Springs thermal pools. I appreciate the fact that the pools are covered in shade. Kids are welcome, but there are no children's pools or other facilities. But there's a family changing room, including a shower.

Stopped in today for some time in a private hot pool. My wife and I loved every moment. The private area is exactly that, private, and you have your own little hot pool and room. You get a WC, shower, sink, mirror and private change room. It is very well laid out and modern. Very well done. The private pool is perfect. It's just wonderful relaxing for the best part of an hour in the pristine hot pool with the one you love. You don't realise until after you're out, showered and dressed just how relaxing this experience is. Awesome!

I visited it several times and every time I was surprised of why this place is not filled people. It is so tranquil with lush jungle and many birds. The best place to stop if the rain ruins your glacier plans!

Booked Private Hot Pool, great value for 45 minutes....was more than long enough. Clean facilities, friendly staff. Pools set in beautiful native Bush, private surroundings. Private shower and toilet.

We booked a Heli Hike on Franz Josef Glacier which, unfortunately, was cancelled due to bad weather conditions. As a consolation, we got a discount on the hot pools. We decided to get a private pool for $83 for 45 minutes. Our crib was very comfy and super relaxing. After the 45 minutes, you can use the three public pools for free. They are temperatured at 36°C, 38°C, and 40°C and there were only a few other people around. The discount rate for just the public pools was reasonably priced at $21 per person. Before I die, I have to come back to get on that Heli Hike and dip into the hot pools one more time. Overall, it was a nice experience but we were missing that little extra to push it to a 5 star rating.

Popped in for lunch and honestly had one of the best meals I’ve had in 8 weeks travelling around NZ! Ordered the hawker roll with beef cheek rendang. It was honestly exceptional. Tasty, filling, just perfectly put together. Added a beer and sat in the sun. Nice!

Pleasantly surprised. This place gets great reviews and once you stop in you can understand why. Exceptional food, pretty good service, it was only the atmosphere that slipped a little for myself, but this did not affect my overall experience. We had sizzling steak and pad Thai, desert and several snake bites.

Surprised to find authentic Indonesian food in a town like Franz Josef. The nasi goreng was excellent, as were the hawker rolls and pad see ew. We went back a second time. Enjoyed the coffees and chai lattes too. Considering it is a tourist town, the prices are reasonable.

We had an absolutely fantastic experience at Snake Bite Brewery and Restaurant! Everything was exceptional – from the warm atmosphere to the delicious food and drinks. The star of the evening was their signature cocktail, the Snake Bite – a perfect half-and-half mix of cider and beer. Smooth, refreshing, and something truly unique – it’s a must-try! The food was just as impressive. The flaky roti with dip, crispy fries, hearty burger, and rich hot chocolate were all top-notch, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. Every dish felt thoughtfully made and satisfying. On top of that, the staff were friendly, attentive, and created such a welcoming vibe. This place has the perfect balance of great food, excellent drinks, and a buzzing atmosphere. Highly recommend Snake Bite Brewery to anyone visiting – we’ll definitely be coming back!

Chose this place for our lunch kudos to a Soak Dine Stay voucher with Bella Vista Motel, where we got ourselves a $50 voucher for this restaurant at a package price. 🍚 having not had rice for awhile, i opted for the nasi goreng with chicken and the first bite really hit me as flavourful! The chicken satay was very well cooked too, slightly fried but not too tough, comes easily off the stick too. The salad was a surprising good flavour change as well, quite a good side to the dish. 🍝 wifey opted for the pad see ew chicken which was a gigantic portion, though she did finish it with some help from me. The dish was flavourful, though slightly salty - with a good portion of chicken slices too. 🥬 we also opted for some bok choy to have more greens, and was a decent enough portion for 2 - though it did come with a lot of the stems and not much of the leaf Overall, the bill came up to $73 which was fairly acceptable for 2 mains and 1 side in NZ. Good spot for a wide selection of meals, and even drinks too.

Stayed one night for Friday dinner at Snakebite. Portion size is value for money. 1. The pad thai noodles, really good. 2. Nasi goreng with prawn. Suggest to pair with kikkoman soy sauce on rice. 3. Roti chennai if you're in big splurge

They have a few well marked vegan options on the menu, including a very tasty tofu Thai yellow curry. Serving size was generous and the staff friendly and helpful.

Amazing Heli hike tour!! From the moment we arrived, the team was informative, friendly and had our safety and enjoyment in mind. The helicopter ride was spectacular with great views of the Glacier and Valley. Our Helicopter driver made sure everyone was comfortable and kept us informed on what we were seeing. Our hike guide Ryan took us through the Glacier at a pace that was good for everyone. He shared a lot of great information about New Zealand and the Glacier. Once in a lifetime experience that should not be missed if you are in the Mount Cook area. I would do this tour again!

My husband and I were fortunate to have a perfect-weather morning for our heli-hike, and from start to finish the experience was absolutely incredible. The guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and prepared for everything. Landing on the glacier was breathtaking — crisp white views and knee-deep snow all around. The hike itself was steady and well-paced, with our guide making sure everyone felt safe and comfortable. Partway through, we were told a cloud was moving in and we’d need to leave the glacier. Even then, the team remained calm, professional, and reassuring while getting us safely helicoptered off the ice. An unforgettable adventure — highly recommend!

Outstanding experience - heli hike on Franz Josef glacier! Our terrific guide Jule led us through everything start to finish - from donning gear and safety briefings to leading us out onto the glacier for an amazing hike. The helicopter ride - my very first - gave us a beautiful introduction to the glacier. It had snowed the night before so the area was blanketed in white. The skies were cobalt. Jule explained how the weather can change quickly and how the guides monitor it to ensure safety. She also conveyed safety practices for our hike. We had the best time ever, tromping through the snow and taking in the stunning beauty of it all. We were so impressed with the enthusiasm, safety consciousness, and knowledge of all the staff. This was the experience of a lifetime for me!

Maya was our guide and she is lovely and spontaneous, making our trip absolutely exciting and hyped. The weather was spot on, glaciers were blue and shiny, and the Heliride was cool! Everyone wanted to have a photo with Maya at the end…will recommend anyone to have a trip to glaciers with Maya and Franz Josef Glacier Guides and 100% will have a good time. Was secretly hoping that the weather was bad so we get to be “stuck” up there through the night and see the stunning night views and sunset from there😆😆😆

Very much enjoyed the helicopter flight. However, the trip was promoted as a Heli hike, in practice, it is disappointingly a short walk at the pace of the slowest person in the group. Greater differentiation between abilities would enhance the experience for all involved. On the plus side, our trip was unexpectedly affected by the weather closing in, so we had to spend a night camping on the glacier, which was excellent! A great opportunity to see the sunset and sunrise. Credit to the guides who set up camp, and provided all present with warm drinks and hot food, as well as some lovely warm sleeping bags, what a great experience. As an observation, please look at the tents used for the glacier camping, as there are much more suitable mountain tents available, as the tents used are not really suited for adverse alpine conditions, should they arise.... Stronger poles and sown in ground sheets should be standard. Thankfully the weather was calm, and the cloud inversion provided a great view. The unexpected night's camping was much appreciated. Thank you

It was an amazing experience. Our guide, Hannah was very helpful and provided many insights from glacier formation to the unique landscape of Franz Josef. The whole experience was very smooth. We were sufficiently prepared with safety briefing, transported by the heli ride and explored the beautiful glaciers. Everyone has to do this at least once in their lifetime! ⭐

A Priceless Experience – Worth Every Cent At first glance, the price of this heli-hike tour is over $700 for just four hours, I was like what?! I honestly thought I would never consider doing something so expensive. But then I thought again: hiking on a glacier isn’t something you get to do every day. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’m only getting older, and realistically, my finances and physical condition aren't going to improve over time. If not now, then when? This tour is perfect for nature lovers who want to combine breathtaking sightseeing with some level of physical activity. The entire team, including the office staff, went above and beyond to ensure we were safe, well-informed, and prepared for the hike. The journey began and ended with a beautiful 10-minute walk through a classic Kiwi forest—an unexpected and delightful touch. Our guide was fantastic—young, passionate, knowledgeable, and full of energy. I’m sure all the guides are just as amazing. It’s not an easy job: they need to know about the local culture, glacier dynamics, and weather patterns, and they even carve stairs into the ice with axes to make our hike safer and more manageable. I’m incredibly grateful for everything they did. They also provide all the necessary gear for the hike, which is a great bonus. In the end, I can’t recommend this tour highly enough. Don’t let the price scare you off—if it’s an amount you can afford without major sacrifice, go for it. Just read the information they send you beforehand, follow the staff's instructions, and you’ll have an unforgettable experience—just like I did.

We spent 3 nights in Franz Josef and stopped in here on our first night for Happy hour. The service and cocktails were amazing so we stayed for dinner, which was also delicious. We were keen for an Ouzo after dinner and they had none available. So the manager went out and got a bottle for us to have a few drinks. We enjoyed it so much we came back every night and had dinner here twice. We tried the Salmon, Steak, Ribs, and the chicken burger. All very tasty and generous servings. Lovely to sit outside in the middle of winter with the heaters on.

We really enjoyed the pie option… no ordinary pie but the choice of venison or goat. We had goat. Fantastic, with lovely fresh salad and a pile of really hot fries along with a good bottled very tasty gravy. It is BIG. My wife & I shared and it was enough. My guest had venison and also loved it. Fourth member had pasta & king prawns. The food is excellent and outside seating in brilliant mid Sept sun was an ideal setting. Try it

I would like say the service is good and cheerful, especially the staff who has his very unique hair cut is friendly and helpful. The foods are find just ok. We have ordered the pizza and fish & chip. The fish is very plain if we don't use any source, perhaps it maybe same as others. Similar to the pizza.

[holiao] 1) Overall - western restaurant, chill and cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, great portion size, offers happy hour, spacious seating capacity, food and drink selection are beer, pizza, burger, salad and many more from The Landing Restaurant & Bar 2) seafood chowder - Creamy and hearty with generous chunks of seafood. Rich in flavor, though could use a touch more seasoning to enhance the ocean freshness. 3) Pumpkin Soup - Smooth, slightly sweet, and comforting. Well-blended with a natural pumpkin taste, perfect as a warm starter. Would be even better with a dash of spice or cream swirl. 4) hawaiian pizza - Classic sweet and savory combo. The pineapple adds a juicy tang that pairs well with the smoky ham. Crust was nicely baked—crispy outside, soft inside. A comforting choice for those who enjoy fruit on pizza 5) creamy carbonara - Rich and indulgent with a velvety sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. The balance of cream, cheese, and a hint of smokiness was comforting. Slightly heavy, but very satisfying for a classic comfort meal.

Not recommended for vegetarians. We had vegetarian nachos and pizza. The service was very friendly and the beer was good. The pizza was only a small step above a frozen pizza. The vegetarian nachos were also quite poor. The food with meat looked quite good though.

We had an amazing meal at this restaurant! 🌟 The food was absolutely delicious, perfectly cooked and full of flavour. The staff were not only professional but also incredibly kind, attentive, and welcoming from start to finish. A truly great experience — thank you for a wonderful time! 🙏🍽️

I honestly can’t say enough good things about our waiter — absolutely amazing! From the moment we sat down, he made us feel so welcome and taken care of. His attention to detail was incredible — drinks were always full, food came out perfectly timed, and they checked in just the right amount without ever being intrusive. What really stood out was their personality — friendly, genuine, and clearly passionate about what they do. You could tell they truly cared about making our experience special. They even remembered all our little requests and made great recommendations that turned out to be spot-on. It’s rare to find someone who brings this level of professionalism, warmth, and enthusiasm to their job. Honestly, this was one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had, all thanks to them. If every restaurant had a waiter like this, every meal would be unforgettable! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Absolutely phenomenal service!

We arrived for dinner quite early, just after 5 p.m. The mix of Filipino and European food on the menu caught our attention and convinced us to choose this restaurant over the other options in Franz Josef. There seemed to be two people working on the floor and one chef in the kitchen. The server attending to us was fairly decent. However, there was another woman who had a very loud and grating voice, and she kept talking in the dining area for the entire hour we were there. The issue was that she did not even acknowledge us or say hello. Instead, she wandered around the dining area, speaking loudly about various topics, claiming she was the owner, and chatting with a couple at the adjacent table. It was incredibly frustrating. I honestly wanted to ask her to be quiet because it felt like she was torturing us with her incessant talking—it was completely inappropriate for a dining setting, especially with paying customers trying to enjoy their meal. Adding to the cacophony was the loud music, which only made the experience worse. As for the food, we chose a Filipino dish, which was fantastic. Unfortunately, my lamb shank was probably the worst I have ever had. It was bland, the plate was excessively dry, and the shank itself was over-roasted, leaving the lamb far too dry and completely lacking in fat. Regrettably, I made the mistake of ordering an additional shank before tasting the first one. On the positive side, we chatted with our server and managed to have a decent conversation when possible. Despite the loud and disruptive woman and the poorly prepared lamb shank, everything else was pleasant. The restaurant’s temperature was comfortable, and the views were excellent.

This restaurant is absolutely incredible - you should absolutely go! We've been in New Zealand for over a week and this was BY FAR our best meal of the entire trip. The service is top tier and everything we ordered was delicious and incredible. The Filipino food was authentic and so good. If you don't try this place, you'll be missing out. We even came back the next night to have it again - nothing we've eaten to date even comes close. 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

Great ambience with soft music and that will be a tranquil dining evening with delicious food on a wet winter. Sadly isn't not what we look for, just a remark for the owner to note of the current situation. The restaurant atmosphere made me feels like a market place with a lady staff that kept talking and talking like a typewriter which rritates my ears that I need to be rude to ask the male staff for that lady to lower voice for a pleasant dining. We did sound our concern but it's not stopping as we heard more noises behind with three parties conversations which was close by the kitchen. Also, it's a pity that the staff were without fire for more customers, when at around 7.35pm there were group of 6pax coming for dining but were turned down with only alternative of takeaway especially when the restaurant only had two tables for the evening. What a shame to reject customers during this low period.

Lovely little restaurant. We had the lamb shanks, palabok and the mudpie for desert. The meat was tender, the pasta was flavorful and the chocolate cake was delicious. Fast service with nice atmosphere.

Purchased a takeaway pizza. Had fantastic service & it was ready on time. The pizza was very nice it was the smoked salmon. We brought the largest one which feed 2 people for 2 meals so great value for money. Would highly recommend.

This was recommended to us by our motel. We arrived to be told we get 20% off for the recommendation which was great. We both had the steak and it was delicious. Service was excellent, prompt delivery of food which was fresh and hot. The hospitality was excellent..The restaurant was quiet but it was Wednesday. I would recommend giving them a try when you visit Franz Josef.

I ordered the lamb shake, which is tender and rich, has a generous portion, and contains fresh vegetables at a reasonable price☺️.

Entrees were good. Then we waited 45min for a burger. The rest of the restaurant got their meals along with our entrees and we still had to wait. Chef likely forgot about our order. When the food came the chips were cold and burger was small relative to the price. Buffalo Cauliflower was great start though. Would have given a better rating however having to wait for a small burger with cold chips for so long didn't help the rating.

Unexpectedly great BBQ ribs. The seafood chowder we got was one of the more authentic ones we’ve had too. Definitely worth a visit. Great fireplace and a lively venue with great vibes.

The atmosphere was great. The fireplaces smelled and felt great. Staff were very friendly and attentive. The food was solidly good but not spectacular. My wife has Celiac and had no issues with cross contamination which is always a concern when eating out so we were pleased.

We dined as soon as it was opened, meals came out fast. Atmosphere was great and we were nice and warm by the fire. Saying that one kids meal and one adults meal arrived 5-10mins before the next one (waiter advised pizza was dropped so needed to remake). Value for money was excellent, good portions. The steak and the lamb shank could have had more seasoning on them as they were very bland. The pina coladas were excellent. Highly recommend.

Staff were friendly and do their best to accommodate our needs even when we ordered rhe wrong craft beer. The staff was pleased to change to suit our preferred beer. Food were great with beers.

Had such a great dinner last night - came back tonight. Staff were friendly and efficient. Had the Chicken schnitzel burger with bacon. Very tasty, chicken very light, crispy. Fries done well. Hubby had fish n chips - ate so fast no pix. Tried the meat pizza - delicious.

Warm place for a meal on a cold rainy day. We had high hopes after reading the reviews however, the ribs were overcooked and drenched in sauce. The server also got our drink order wrong despite repeating a few times.

Extremely helpful and friendly staff and the views were amazing! Unfortunately due to the weather we weren’t able to land on a glacier but the pilot still did his best to get us right above the glaciers. Well worth the experience. Highly recommend.

Fantastic company and an amazing experience. I did the flyover and although we couldn't make a snow landing because of the conditions it was still an absolutely incredible experience. The feeling of being above the glaciers and snow basins is indescribable. The pilot was great and gave interesting commentary as well. I highly recommend flying with these guys and even if you can't make the landing it is still truly worth doing!

Booking was effortless. We walked in and were met by a friendly team, who gave us a better deal than we found online. We got to fly same day and were given a thorough safety brief. The shuttle was only around the corner and didn't take long to get us to the helicopter take off site. The gentleman who drove us there was very polite. We were a group of four in our helicopter which was fantastic. Mike our pilot shared a great deal of knowledge with us while we flew up and over breathtaking sites! Seeing the glaciers was out of this world and the snow landing was something I can not describe in words as it was beyond incredible. It is something you can not miss! It is that once in a lifetime opportunity. You are in safe hands and won't be disappointed or regret having this phenomenal experience with Glacier Country Helicopters. They are all a wonderful team and will ensure you have the safest, enoyable and most epic journey with them! 😊

🚁❄️ Helicopter Glacier Flight – Absolutely Breathtaking! ❄️🚁 🚁❄️ Helicopter Glacier Flight – Absolutely Breathtaking! ❄️🚁 What an unforgettable experience! Flying over the stunning glacier and landing on the snow was nothing short of amazing. The views were out of this world — sparkling ice, rugged peaks, and that incredible feeling of standing on top of it all. 🏔️✨ The pilot was fantastic, super knowledgeable, and made the whole flight smooth and enjoyable. Standing on the glacier surrounded by pure white snow was one of those moments you’ll never forget — simply breathtaking! 💙 If you ever get the chance, do it — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll be talking about forever!

Truly a must do! Amazing scenery from the helicopter, it's a different experience. Our pilot Mark made it very comfortable and explained about the different mountains. Very helpful as well taking our pictures. Thanks so much for this unforgettable trip!

Absolutely wonderful don’t hesitate book with Glacier County Helicopters, they are a family run company. Thanks guys for putting this morning together we were so amazed by the glaciers, nothing gives more prospective than an actual flyover. Our pilot was so informative. As you can see from the pictures the weather wasn’t behaving however it didn’t take the magic from the experience. Best day of our visit to NZ so far!!!

Absolute amazing experience. Contacted me a day prior to move the booking forward a few hours due to weather settling in around lunch time. Flight and pilot were awesome with a snow landing at the top to get some quick photos. Well worth the money because you can’t get the same experience anywhere else!

The room was comfortable and suited our group of four, although it’s technically set up to sleep six. It includes one single bunk bed, three single beds, and a queen bed tucked away in a cozy nook for added privacy. All the beds were clean and comfy, with fresh linen and towels provided. That said, the space did feel a little cramped with so many beds- it left limited room for additional furnishings. We ended up using the extra beds to lay out our luggage. Aside from a small table with three chairs and a bin, there wasn’t much space for bedside tables, storage, shelving or clothing racks of any sort. The room is fully carpeted and heated by a single wall heater, which kept things warm, though it hummed a bit at night. The bathroom was a highlight- very clean and nicely designed, with a spacious white shower, a toilet, and a warm ceiling light/heater. Soap and shampoo were provided, and I appreciated thoughtful touches like good ventilation, bright lighting, towel racks, and a bin. There are two access points to our room- one leading directly to the parking area, and the other to the communal lounge and kitchen just a few steps away, which I loved for its convenience. The shared lounge was spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped. It’s a great spot to relax on the couches with the TV (local channels only) or sit at a table to eat, study, or work- as I did study daily while another guest worked remotely on her laptop with the tv respectfully turned down to a hum. The kitchen was very well-stocked with everything you might need: plenty of crockery (mugs, plates, bowls), pots, non-stick pans, cutlery, two fridges (one large, one small), stovetop, electric kettle, tea, coffee, cleaning products, and more. It’s refreshed every morning by staff. Guests also respectfully clean up after themselves. During breakfast and dinner, it never felt overcrowded. Although with limited heating points in such a large area, it can get cold at night. WiFi was excellent- strong, fast, and accessible throughout the property with no dropouts. We also made use of the laundry facilities, which were perfect for catching up on washing after days of traveling and hiking. This place is very family-friendly, with a separate games room (with billiard table) and an outdoor playground that the kids really enjoyed. Check-in and check-out were a breeze with the easy key drop box system. We stayed here for two nights and although most days were wet and rainy, we really enjoyed our time. We met several lovely families and fellow travellers (from Singapore, the UK, Holland, Germany, and New Zealand), and even bumped into some of them later at nearby tourist spots like the glacier. A welcoming, well-run place- we’d happily return! Here’s a lovely view from the communal kitchen :)

This campsite is in a beautiful location. You can beat the view of Franz Josef Glacier. 😱 We had a late check in and even though the reception was closed, everything was organized and ready for us to find our site. Very clean and well kept lawns. The cement pads is perfect for the dewy nights and mornings. The kitchen is so easy to maneuver around with tons of burners and sinks. They even had utensils and pots to use which is easier then carting from the trailer. TY!! Can get a bit smelly if someone is cooking something you don't like as the entire eating area is in there as well. The bathrooms were nice and warm and the shower spaces were huge with hooks and a chair to lay your stuff. They had a blow dryer and hand dryer. One thing I wasn't a fan of in the women's washroom is that they have a big window which is lovely to see the view of Franz Josef but at night, the light reflects off the window so you can't see outside but people can stare straight in. I find that a bit of uncomfortable and a bit creepy cause you don't know who's watching you. The showered portion is covered and ok. Would def stay here again and thank you for havi g us. Aimee & Mike Canada

Booked in advance and arrived in pouring rain and low clouds. We’d booked a cabin only so upgraded to an en-suite cabin. The communal toilets and kitchen blocks were modern, clean and warm. Ate at Monsoons in town. Food was delicious. In the morning we had superb views of the glaciers with helicopters buzzing around everywhere. Def stay here again.

Absolutely awesome spot, staff are very lovely on arrival process was made easy and simple the staff member was new and still happened to give brilliant service Management was brilliant even tho he had a few concerns about my 3x dogs . But we're very accommodating 10/10 for service Place is excellently cleaned, kitchen, toilets , commons area are hygienic well preserved 10/10 Overall experience 10/10

Good laundry room. Lots of spaces for campervans. Kitchen had no exhaust which made it smell a lot during cooking. No hairdryers in men toilet

Stayed for six nights in my Snowy River caravan . Wonderful young family . Kept the camp ground and facilities clean and tidy. A credit to their commitment ensuring your stay is hassle free.

Top 10 Holiday Park is always great place for campervan and family stay. Clean and fill with many facility such as kitchen, bathroom and laundry.

Our first shared spa/hot tub experience, where we got ourselves a deal via a Soak Dine Stay package with a nearby motel. 🧂 we bought ourselves some epsom salt to be added into our bath at the counter when checking in at an extra $10, and it came in a huge bowl! There’s also other add ons they offer, though it’s not very affordable. 🚻 the space was decently private, while it’s a hot tub for the group, we could barely see another 2 groups from where we were, with a small changing/storage room that has doors if you mind your privacy. 🍷 our motel staff also told us there’s a BYO policy, so instead of wine, we brought ourselves some juice from the nearby supermarket to be enjoyed during the bath 🛀🏻 the hot tub itself was pretty hot even though it doesn’t look like it is with just some wood keeping it warm. Definitely felt hot and was sweating past 30 minutes. There wasn’t much of a view since there were trees and fences built around the space, which was slightly unfortunate since there’s a great opportunity in that - though again understandable to protect our privacy. Post the experience, we both felt pretty refreshed and lighter, though it’s likely psychological since we just exited a large hot tub, but nonetheless it was a good feeling and one that we will return for if we have the chance to!

We went in the rain and this was an absolutely magical experience. The owner, Adam, was very kind and super responsive via email. There were 6 of us and we had 3 tubs, 2 people each. All of us had a wonderful time. The setting was very private and relaxing. It made our stay in Franz Josef well worth it!

Absolutely loved my visit to Waiho Hot Tubs! The atmosphere is pure tranquility, soaking in a beautifully crafted wooden tub surrounded by lush native ferns felt like being in the middle of a rainforest. Everything was spotless and well-prepared, from the towels to the aromatic salts and candles that made the experience extra relaxing. A special mention to Robin at the counter. He was incredibly polite, friendly, and helpful. Even though they were fully booked and I didn’t have a reservation, he went out of his way to fit me in for a session. His professionalism and kindness really stood out. The entire setup, especially in the evening with the warm lighting and forest backdrop, was just magical. Perfect way to unwind after exploring Franz Josef. Highly recommend this place to anyone visiting the area!

This was an amazing experience. We did the kayaks the day before and we did a hike in the morning so me and my husband were very sore and the hot tub was just so relaxing and beautiful scenery too. You even have the option to add some epsom salts if you’d like. Definitely 5 stars. Would definitely recommend

Did a 2 person experience here. It is in the main area of franz joseph making it really easy to get to if you're staying in the area (only 3 mins from our accomodation). The tub is surrounded by beautiful lush forest and really lovely. You get to byo snacks and drinks if you want and towels are provided. It was a really good way to relax after a few big hikes and is probably one the best thing you can do while you're here. Would highly recommend.

Absolutely serene experience. My wife and I had a lovely time. The fact that the tubs are wood fired is beautiful and the rainforest surrounding each tub makes for a really nice quiet private experience. Totally recommend.

Had a fabulous experience at the Hot Tubs! It was the perfect way to finish our day after a long kayak trip. Took our own drinks and snacks, it was the perfect private setting to enjoy some downtime in nature. Very professional managed Thanks 😊

Started at Franz Josef and had an Amazing view of the Fox and Franz Josef Glacier. We stopped for about 10min on a flat snow surface. Everything was very professional. I always felt safe. Pilot Paul was really lovely and seem to love his job. Payed 375nzd for 30min. Remember: You cant bring any kind of loose items or backpack with you.

The experience was good but could have been better as it was very crowded considering the fragile ecosystem of these glacier the gear quality were not great compared to the ones provided by Fox Glacier Heli Hike team. For each batch they have multiple batches so they were apprx 44 of us. Which were divided in 4 teams of 11 each. While i did try with Fox glacier but to weather conditions turning bad they cancelled the hike last minute. No of participants is way less comparatively.

Totally professional staff, safety focused, informative narrative and spectacular views. Try to book the glacier landing component for a once in a lifetime experience. Know that the weather is changeable so flight plans may change on short notice. But an incredible experience if you are able to take the trip!

My partner and I did a heli hike on the 12th of September and we had such an incredible time. The whole experience was so professionally run, and even when the weather turned bad, we felt very safe and looked after by our guides. Speaking of guides, Abbey was amazing! So fun, knowledgeable and gave us the best experience she could, despite the weather! Thank you Abbey!

Fantastic experience. The guides looked after us. We hiked up the glacier and went into several caverns. The company goes to alot of trouble to dig stairways and other safety facilities so we can safely explore the glacier. Our guide was very informative and helpful. Go explore Fox Glacier before it disappears.

We did the Extreme hiking & climbing experience. I would 100% recommend it over just the hike if you are feeling up to it, the challenge is considerably greater. Ice climbing is hard even if you are strong and fit, but even if you are not the climbing sections are well interspersed and there will never be a section you can’t get through. Only downside is be aware the weather has a good chance to affect your plans - we had to wait two days from our original departure time to finally get out there. The staff were helpful moving our booking free of charge once the original trip was cancelled on the morning of.

It was the most incredible thing I ever done. I can definitely recommend it, it’s the best way to have the closest look at the glacier! The Guides were also very nice and know what they’re doing!

Very easy lunch at Frans Josef town. I had a vegan pie and it was decent. Coffee was good. They had soy milk. I would recommend this for a quick lunch. The 2 tables outside had a little fire place in the middle which was lovely. Lots of options for food for people who eat meat. Parking is easily available outside the restaurant.

Very cosy cafe that’s packed with visitors since they are one of the few restaurants opened in the morning. ☕ gotten ourselves a large flat white to share and thought it was a very good cup, not bitter but rather a little tone of sweetness, with a good aroma as well. 🥔 the eggs benedict with mushroom was good too, the highlight was in my opinion the rosti/potato, which was pretty thick but soft at the same time - not too overly fried as well. Pairs perfectly with the eggs and mushrooms for a good bite. It was enough for the 2 of us, as we were looking for a light breakfast before lunch later. Definitely recommended to come by for a drink or some light bites!

One of the few places in the area to eat so I was surprised by the great and plentiful menu options. Restaurant was cosy and staff were warm. Lunch was quick and portion sizes were huge (big pro after doing a big walk)! Everything was flavourful and hot, no complaints from us.

Had a fabulous breakfast here. Big servings and no worries about taking some home. Great coffee, friendly staff, huge Leamington!

Had a relaxing lunch at Full of Beans. Jom was super friendly and welcoming, which really added to the experience. She saved a Vegan "The West Coast Pie company" Pie for us to come back later to eat at lunch time. Plenty of vegan options on the menu, and I enjoyed a pie along with a soy flat white that was smooth and decent. The outdoor seating is a real highlight, with small table fires out the front keeping things warm — such a unique and cosy touch, especially with the scenic views around. Well-priced, relaxed, and an easy lunch.

Coffee was excellent 👌 Full rich flavor. Milk textured carefully. Even got some art. Best coffee I’ve had in NZ so far! Carrot cake was a solid 7/10. Good. Warm and well laid out. Great place. Great vibes

Pros: the food was good! Not amazing or absolutely perfect, but we enjoyed it! Wed eat here again and try something else. Cons: the unironic truth is that not EVERYTHING on the menu has beans. They don't even have a bean burger. Huh?

Stated as an Easy walk, it's a full on 40 mins+ and the same on the return. The start is on a gravel path that climbs steadily. The first wooden bridge passes over a lovely little waterfall which cascades over moss covered boulders. From here the trail becomes rocks, tree roots and fairly narrow and steep for the rest of the walk. The swing bridge over the gorge is blocked at the other end but you can walk over to get a view down to the river. Be prepared for a real hike on the way back! Such a varied walk. With a great view as your reward.

Easy to moderate walk, a few steep sections and about 40min each way. Ok in the wet if you use normal caution. After rains the river will be a very light grey. Access is easy because the entrance is on the edge of Franz Josef town near the wildlife center.

This walk takes roughly 40 mins - an hour each way. It starts off walking up a fairly steep hill for the first half. This part of the track is very wide and smooth. At the highest point, there is a great view of the Waiho river in the valley. The second half of the track starts heading downhill towards the gorge. This half of the track is significantly more narrow and rocky but still pretty good. The track ends with a swing bridge to nowhere. While the bride is barricaded at the far end it is still accessible to walk over the gorge and admire the blur water and interesting rocks of the bank. Even on a rainy day (which is when we did it) it is still a pleasant trach and awesome view at the end

Nice easy access short walk from the town. The first half out is pretty dull, eide track suitable for vehicles but the second part is much prettier

very beautiful walk that is well worth the 90 minute trip. Starts by following old mining track up through native forest, we were very amused to see "explosives" sign, no idea what they would be used for. At the end of the gravelly road it becomes a narrow track, you are never far from the sound of running water or native fauna. Truly beautiful native forest is fabulous. at times the track is very steep, so although it is realatively short, you do need to be sure footed. Ends on a picturesque swing bridge overlooking the entrance to Franz Josef Glacier. very pleased we did it!

Lots of up and down walking but soooooo worth it in the end. The gorge is stunning.

Loved this short hike, especially after getting off the gravel access road into what felt like a lush fairy wonderland of greenery and mosses. Friendly fantails escorted us along the way.

My wife and I had a fantastic time on the quad bike tour yesterday with Leo. He was super professional but also made the tour extremely fun and one we will remember. Leo was super knowledgeable on the history of the area and snapped some great pictures for us throughout including have a laugh when we got ourselves bogged! This was Leo’s last assessed tour lead before becoming a fully trained guide and we couldn’t have asked for anyone better for our day out, thanks! Would highly recommend for anyone passing through the area to have a go at this experience.

Such an epic experience! The quad biking tour was heaps of fun from start to finish. The guides were awesome, super clear with instructions and made sure we were all confident before heading off. I rode on the back with my husband and felt completely safe the whole way. Huge bonus points for the wet weather gear, splashing through all that water was the best part!

We thoroughly enjoyed our kayaking experience in September! Ollie was a great guide and gave us lots of interesting information about the lake, Franz Josef and New Zealand in general! He took lots of great photos capturing the dramatic scenery which are great memories of our trip. We loved kayaking up the hidden creek and hearing about all the wildlife in the area. Everything was very well organised with transport provided to and from Franz Josef to the lake. We would highly recommend the kayaking tour to anyone visiting Franz Josef! It is a very unique way to see the fantastic scenery!

Epic experience! The Franz Josef Wilderness quad tour was an absolute blast... forest tracks, rivers, and muddy fun! Loved that they include great photos at no extra cost and make the whole tour feel personal, even in a group. I was a passenger princess but kind of wish I went on my own quad. Maybe next time :) Highly recommend! Brooklyn and Justin 10/10 for guides and customer service!!

We did the 3-hour guided kayaking tour on Lake Mapourika, and it was absolutely incredible! Our guide Kate was fantastic — friendly, knowledgeable, and made everyone in the group feel comfortable and well looked after. She shared so much insight about the local area, wildlife, and history, making the experience both relaxing and fascinating. Kate also took beautiful photos throughout the tour, which were later sent to us — such a thoughtful touch and an amazing way to remember the day. The scenery was breathtaking, and kayaking through the calm waters surrounded by mountains was the perfect way to explore the natural beauty of Franz Josef. Highly recommend Franz Josef Wilderness Tours to anyone visiting the West Coast — it’s an unforgettable experience!

The quad bike tour was fantastic! Our instructors, Will and Justin, made sure we were all confident and had the best time possible. I was a passenger and had the biggest smile the whole way through. Thanks guys for a truly memorable experience!

Cruise ride With Franz Josef Wilderness Tours is highly recommend thing to do At Franz Josef. It was a great time with Joe & Karl (tour guides). They are best at what they do & assets for business. I don’t know how much they make but highly recommended for complimentary PAY RISE. 😀 It was great views , silence, birds voices, etc.

This hostel was amazing! Right by everything in town, 24 hour kitchen, laundry and tv in the movie room. There is delicious free soup every night as well as popcorn which really brings everyone together. Benjamin was absolutely lovely and very helpful in finding hikes. Did I mention there is also a hot tub! Would definitely stay again.

Surprisingly cheap homey hostel, I was warmly received and they have free popcorn and free fresh vegetable soup at night! They have free parking , a hot tub and laundromats for 4$ per wash/dry cycle. The accomodation is located in a parallel street to the main street. And I believe that there were Keas flying around at night, which is awesome.

I had a great stay here! The price was very affordable, and they even offered free popcorn and vegetable soup. There’s also a free hot tub, which we really enjoyed — we had a wonderful afternoon relaxing there. The common areas, including the kitchen and living room, are spacious and super comfortable. The owner is also very kind and friendly. Highly recommended!

My sister traveled New Zealand 9 years ago and recommended this hostel. Now I get why she absolutely loved it! We stayed in our camper, parked in the parking lot & used all the facilities. We extended our stay to 5 nights in total. Everything was so cozy! Free soup at 6pm, free popcorn, fireplace in the common area, a hot tub & the owner Benjamin who helps out with everything. - Recommendations, what to do, where to go if it rains etc. We can absolutely recommend to stay at the Glowworm Accommodation! If we ever travel back to New Zealand - we’ll be back! Thank you!

Lovely little hostel in such a beautiful backdrop. The staff is amazing, and they have a good kitchen set up. Its honestly an amazing hostel. Its also right in the middle of both glaciers so in the event that one is down with weather, your a short ride to the other one if its up.

Located in the small town of Franz Josef, I had a great stay at this hostel. The room and the bed were very comfortable, the shower was perfect. What made my stay memorable is the hostel's delicious free soup on the eve and the pop corn maker machine in the reception. Benjamin was a very friendly and helpful person. With amenities like a hot water tub, 24 * 7 laundry service and free parking in the premises, this is a great place to stay. I highly recommend this hostel.

Super friendly staff, rather a family who lives and works there and also spreads this family feeling through the entire hostel. Very helpful and kind, would recommend staying there for sure! Nice kitchen and community room with a fire place, nice rooms and spa!

What a fantastic experience. I was a bit reluctant to do this, as I have a fear of heights, but my partner wanted to, so I wanted to give it a go. The team here were just beyond amazing. One of the team members let me know he had a fear of heights as well, and that it was doable. He approached my fear with kindness and commonality - and it helped me get on the helicopter. The trip was amazing- very smooth - and views in every direction. For those with a fear of heights, I did it and you can too. One suggestion - just keep your eyesight to the horizon and you don’t feel high up at all. What a great experience - I’d hop on again in a heartbeat. A really knowledgeable team that makes your 40 minutes on a glacier feel seamless. Fantastic. If you’re coming all this way to see the glaciers- this journey is the only real way to do it. Splurge - it’s worth it.

Spectacular! I was in awe of how beautiful it was! My children and I were so fortunate to be able to have a flight up over Fox Glacier with snow landing. We initially booked for Franz but, when the weather wasn't looking promising there but possible in Fox, the guys rang through and got us a booking with Fox. Everyone was super helpful and friendly, the Franz office staff, the Fox office staff, our ground crew and our pilot all contributed to making it a fantastic experience. Overnight snowfall meant soft pristine snow. The views are expansive and everyone got a great view. It's a must do. I can't recommend it enough. We all plan to return at some stage to do the longer twin glacier, Mount Cook flight. Thank you so much for providing us with a very memorable experience.

Our first ever Heli experience and was really excited coming into it! Whilst there wasn’t clear blue skies which would no doubt have made the views even more stunning, we were lucky to be able to fly up into the glaciers and set foot on them since the weather condition still permits. 👨🏻‍✈️ Dion was our pilot for the trip, he was very professional and had steady hands on both landings - on the glacier and back down at the base. 💺 they were also very fair in assigning the seats, as we had the front row seats on the way there and got rotated to the rear seats (though still with window view) on the way back. 🧊 it was no doubt our first experience on a glacier as well, and was exciting to see our feet sink into the soft ice as we took steps away from the heli to take some shots of the background and the glaciers - there was roughly 10 minutes for us to enjoy the view and to take the photos. 📷 the pilot also helped us took a professional photo with his camera, which was handed out as a souvenir for us to keep at NZD20 - it also entails the history of Franz Josef as a booklet, which makes for an appealing sell Definitely one of those experience we will forever remember, the flight across the mountains into the glaciers, and stepping foot on them as well!

Wow!! This is a must do trip for anyone passing through Glacier Country. The weather wasn’t good first thing in the morning but within 30 minutes, the crew gave us the thumbs up and we took off. What an awesome, breathtaking view of mount Cook and Mount Tasman! And then to actually land on the Franz Josef glacier, walk around and take pictures was glorious. I can’t recommend this trip enough. You will be in awe from the moment you take off. The pilot tells you loads of information during the flight and tells you when he is about to turn so you can prepare your camera shot. He will also take photos on the glacier and they are really good. Plus he switches the fro t and back seat passengers around so that everyone has a turn in the front seats. Don’t miss out on this trip of a lifetime.

I would rate this experience a 5 out of 5.. My wife and I got upgraded to Franz Josef and fox when we booked for Franz Josef and this was hands down the best experience we had in South Island. The landing on the snow and the glacier view was nothing short of spectacular! We would highly recommend this experience as it will feel very satisfying and mesmerising 😁 Thank you team for a safe and memorable flight

A truly spectacular experience! Wow! There is no better way to see Franz Josef Glacier than the scenic flight and glacier landing. We opted for the Twin Glacier flight which included not only Franz Josef Glacier but also the Tasman Glacier (New Zealand's largest) and Mt Cook (New Zealand's highest mountain). The team at Heliservices were professional, welcoming and friendly. And the pilot was fantastic, very informative and kindly offered to take a photo of us, capturing this once in a lifetime moment. So pleased we did this!

Amazing experience! Our pilot Ken was super experienced and had fun facts for us as we flew over franz josef and fox glaciers. Heliservices was cheaper than another outfit we spoke to, partly because our baby could fly for free. The company was very good about rescheduling with the weather and not charging us until we were definitely getting off the ground. Very smooth operation overall.

Our first night at Franz Josef, dinner at The Canopy were exquisite and extremely heart warming that each dish filled our stomach with satisfying palate. Great food that complement with great wine. Their special of duck breast and potterhouse beef were fresh, cooked to perfection and taste with great delight.It was a wonderful evening and service was excellent.

The mains were alright but the entree starting with this as the $25 "baked camenbert" was so so bad I wouldn't recommend eating here. Literally two slices of cheese, cold, on bread that looks like its from the brekkie buffet. For $25??

I dined here as part of a dinner package while staying at Te Waonui – the hotel itself was superb, but the restaurant was a glaring contrast. Canopy markets itself as a fine dining venue, but the experience fell well short on every front: food quality, service, and presentation. Ambience and service: Despite dining solo, my table was cluttered with excess cutlery and glassware that was never cleared. Throughout the meal, used cutlery wasn’t replaced unless I specifically asked – twice. Staff were mostly absent, and only checked on me twice the entire evening. I ran out of water with no refill offered. It felt like I was forgotten, and the entire table remained cluttered from start to finish. Food experience: • First course – Soup of the Day: Looked like pumpkin, but it was thin, watery, and lacked flavour. It came with a doughy mini bun that was overly soft and chewy – a crisp slice of sourdough would have made more sense. No butter was offered. • Second course – Silver Fern Beef Tartare: An absolute disaster. The meat had grey patches and visible sinew and connective tissue, giving it a chewy, unpleasant texture. It didn’t taste fresh, and it certainly wasn’t finely chopped. I had to send it back. The shift manager apologised and offered a replacement. • Replacement – Kaikoura Crayfish Ravioli: A big improvement in flavour, but it was served in broth with no spoon, making it awkward to eat. A simple attention to detail that was again missed. • Main – Canterbury Confit Duck Leg: Being from the Czech Republic, I know duck. This wasn’t it. The portion was small, the skin was soft and unrendered (clearly pre-cooked but not crisped). The accompaniments were baffling: undercooked barley, overly sweet sour cherry jus, a tiny blob of carrot purée, and the oddest part – a nearly raw wedge of zucchini with microgreens on top. It didn’t taste cohesive, let alone refined. • Fourth – Wild Berry Sorbet: Pleasant, but again, no spoon provided. • Fifth – Otago Bush Honey Panna Cotta: Looked pretty on the menu, but the execution was poor. The honeycomb was so sticky I genuinely worried I’d lose a filling. The blue macaron was dry and hard throughout – even the filling – more like a cracker than a proper macaron. The decorative raspberry smear was aggressively sweet and didn’t balance the dish. Breakfast (served in same restaurant): The breakfast was standard and uninspired. Scrambled and boiled eggs, bacon, one sausage, and the usual spread you’d expect from any 3-star motel, not a luxury eco-resort. Functional, but nothing memorable or elevated. Final verdict: Canopy is trying to wear the clothes of fine dining, but the service, execution, and culinary standards just aren’t there. Sloppy attention to detail, inattentive service, and inconsistent food made this a disappointing experience. If you’re staying at Te Waonui, I’d recommend the hotel wholeheartedly — but consider dining elsewhere.

We did the set menu and it didn’t disappoint, a great mix of dish’s cooked very well, the atmosphere was a little odd though as it doubles as a general hotel restaurant so is used for breakfast in the morning ect. The service was acceptable but nothing too special, no one looked overly happy to be there. Overall would go back though as the food was the winner, standout was the rack of lamb 👌

We had a very enjoyable meal on our first night in Franz Josef. Crayfish Ravioli and Venison Carpaccio were delicious. We both had beef fillet for mains and were very nicely cooked also a generous portion of steak and the sides. Drinks were very well priced and a wide selection of both local and imported options. Very well done particularly for such a remote area of the south island.

This is one of the more memorable restaurant experiences for me because it WAS SO HORRIBLE. The food is unremarkable, I forgot what exactly I ate 20mins ago. The best thing about the meal was me paying for it because of how strong the US Dollar is vs the NZ Dollar. I wasn't staying at the property and emailed to get a reservation 5 months prior because it was summer. I was told that there is only the tasting menu for 150pp and no a la carte option. I was okay with that. Today, I was offered a vegan menu with items nobody else ordered. Oh, the others got both a la carte options and a different tasting menu that had meat and vegetarian options. If you're going to treat people who don't stay with you this way, as walking money bags vs people, the better option is to not take reservations from the general public. One star because the staff and service were incredible.

Had two breakfasts and a dinner here. Breakfasts were fine - nothing stood out as special, but nothing to complain about. Bacon was a bit limp (was it fried, or boiled?!!) but that is of course a matter of personal preference. We opted for the a la carte dinner. The entrees we had (venison carpaccio, and crayfiah ravioli) were nice, but almost laughably small for the price - we would probably have gone without had we known. Mains were good (especially the beef fillet). Service was excellent across the board. Staff were very friendly and very attentive at all times. The restaurant's decor was certainly suitable for the breakfast buffet, but not as a fine dining venue. It's nice overall, and might be the top option in the area (we didn't try all the others, so couldn't judge for sure), but I don't think it really lives up to their claim of being the "pinnacle of fine dining".

Great easy walk with minimal grade, the giant tree ferns are absolutely epic! Please note that the path is currently closed about 500m in from the road which appears to be a land slip. This was as of 21 June 2025.

Beautiful free nature trail through a rain forest. Saw glow worms and fan tail birds. It's a quick lovely walk through the woods.

A FREE experience just a short stroll from your accommodation. Walked to the end of the track and saw some glow worms there whilst sitting on the bench. Turn off your torch and let your eye adjust to see the little blue glow. On the way back we found an upturned tree that had heaps more and got an upclose view of them.

Well, I guess it depends on what you’re looking for, but if you want just a nice light walk with a steep hill at the end, that will take you approximately 30 to 40 minutes, this is the trail for you. I heard a lot of beautiful bird sounds, and it was so lush and green in there. And, it used to hook up to the Callery Gorge Walk, but no longer does and is taped off. There was probably some kind of a mudslide or something?

Drizzling but nice short walk. Air is refreshing, easy and manageable

Very short walk of about 30 minutes or less. Night time, a lot of glow worms to see, for free.

The terrace walk itself is only about 10 minutes in before it's roped off. We found remanents of a track and had to bushwack & climb up a waterfall (about 30 mins) before we could get back up to the main track to the bridge. Walked back along the river which was beautiful, but very hot on a sunny day

The Church of Our Lady of the Alps is a small Catholic church located along State Highway 6 just as you enter the Franz Josef Village. Built in 1951, this is a single hall building of simple construction. The interior of the church is nice. The interior is simple and modest. I liked the stained-glass windows. Given the convenient location, its easy to pass by for a quick 2-3 minute visit to see the The Church of Our Lady of the Alps. Note: There is a Saturday mass held at the church at 5pm on the first weekend of each month. Note. With short walking distance, there is also the historic Anglican Church of St. James. It is also worth a quick look-see if you enjoy visiting churches and old buildings during your travels.

Worth to visit and pray.

A must see church if staying at Franz Josef or traveling through.

Nice

Lovely service

(Translated by Google) You can easily pay a visit to the white wooden Catholic church at the southern end of the small town of Franz Josef with beautiful stained glass windows. (Original) Der weißen katholischen Holzkirche am südlichen Ende des kleinen Ortes Franz Josef mit schönen Buntglasfenstern kann man ruhig einen Besuch abstatten.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful church in the town (Original) 小鎮上美麗的教堂

Nice view of the alps and glacier easy walk up in the sheltered bush. Seems pretty quiet most of the time!

If you're restricted on time, I would recommend giving this one a miss and focusing your effort towards other rewarding walks (e.g. Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson). The walk is quite steep, mostly uphill and the pay off is just a slightly higher view of the glacier (you see just a little more of the ice) from view. In retrospect I wouldn't have done this. Unless you're a fan of uphill walking; I would overlook this one. Also important: there is a sign PARALLEL to the street the car park is on. So you'll have to look out for it as you drive. I nearly missed it.

Great small walk although very humid as in among the trees so take some water! Really good view of Franz Josef glacier from the top.

Nice view up top. If you have time. Not a must do.

Disappointing trek. Bad view of the glacier and the sea. For a short walk just go the the Franz Jospeh glacier valley

A fantastic little walk. The Kea also hang around this area at times. Search 'Yellow Dog on a little journey' on youtube for a really good video of the track.

It's a shorter hike than most in the area but it's beautiful all the same

Really beautiful campground! We loved the facilities (even though the rain prevented us from being able to enjoy them to the fullest!). Reception was really friendly and quick and easy to check in. It’s clear that love has gone into making this campground, love the little decor touches and so nice to feel tucked away inside the forest. Would happily come back if i’m back in FJ! 🐑

Unfortunately, our experience wasn’t very pleasant. During our stay in Franz Josef, there were heavy rainfalls, so we were hoping to check in, get warm, cook a meal, charge our devices, and just relax somewhere indoors — since we were traveling in a campervan. However, reality hit us hard. The amenities closest to our spot included a “lounge room,” which we expected to be a cozy place to stay dry, but it turned out to be a tiny hut that could barely fit two people — and there were already two guests inside who looked like they had settled there permanently. The nearby cooking area was also very small and completely open, with only a roof above your head. When we walked over to the main area, we found a proper-ish indoor kitchen, but even there, there were no doors that could be closed, and the dining space was completely open-air — again, just a roof and nothing else to protect you from the rain. Frustrated, we eventually returned to our van and decided to book different accommodation, because in that kind of weather it simply wasn’t possible to stay there comfortably (at least not in a campervan). Other than that, the area itself looked okay — the toilets and showers were fine, and the Wi-Fi was decent but nothing great. I honestly believe that in good weather this place could be quite nice, but unfortunately, we didn’t get to experience it that way. I really don’t like leaving negative reviews, but I hope the Orange Sheep team takes this as constructive feedback and can work something out — because the place truly has great potential.

Great Campervan park located in Franz Josef. Conveniently situated for exploring the area. Cheaper than any other sites in the town (20$ for an unpowered site) and the guy in the reception was very helpful, letting us extend our stay with no problems. It was Nice to have privates screened spots so didn’t feel like there was anyone else camping on top of us. Great to have some clean hot showers after a few days on the road. WiFi was good enough to stream videos. There’s a good laundry located next to the park.

Terrible campsite, for so many reasons. No idea why there's so many 5* reviews! Here's the issues: - Dump station area is far too small and congested - No communcal clean water tap!! The campsite receptionist genuinely told us to use the tap by the dump station as clean water. Every other campsite leaves warning signs to not use this tap due to contamination. I honestly couldn't believe it. - It feels like they deliberately hide the bins behind reception to stop people using them. Why?! - Not suitable for large motorhomes. Extremely narrow roads with rocks everywhere and overgrown branches. This is the only campsite we stayed at that damaged our vehicle! - Camping spaces far too close together. - Reservation of sites is chaotic. You get to reserve your own once you arrive. Not logical. Benches were blocking loads of sites. Good parts: - Good location and pretty setting. That's basically it... I really don't recommend this campsite if you have a large motorhome. It's far too stressful. Stay somewhere nicer with better facilities :)

I booked before looking at reviews because of how close it was to the heli trip I scheduled. There were a couple of low ones... Not sure why?! Booking was easy, the facilities are great for washing bathing and WiFing. Nights we're quiet and beautiful birds chirping in the morning. It's a great spot.

Great spot and reasonably priced. Elliot and Stella were great. Showers were nice and hot. Great location and easy walk to do things around Franz Josef. Plus you can’t beat the views from the campsite

We booked and paid a month ago for 2 nights. Unfortunately the area n surrounds were damaged by extreme weather which bad rug impossible to drive to…. Orange Sheep camp grounds were aware of this, we email over 24 hrs out explaining and got the ‘oh well no refund ‘ reply email … I asked for a refund less booking fee with no reply WILL NEVER EVER RECOMMEND

Had the best experience with the team. The weather forecast for our flight time had changed to possible rain, so Hanna called us to see if we wanted to change our flight to an earlier time. All the staff and Jay the pilot were terrific.

Visited The Helicopter Line at Franz Josef Glacier in September 2025 and it was an unforgettable experience, truly one of the highlights of our New Zealand trip! We were originally scheduled to fly the day before but due to poor weather, the flight was postponed. The staff handled everything professionally and were very accommodating, keeping us updated and rescheduling for the next morning when the skies finally cleared. Their communication and service were excellent, making the whole process smooth and stress-free. When we finally took off, it was absolutely worth the wait. The 20-minute flight was magical, flying over lush rainforests, icy valleys and the stunning Franz Josef Glacier. The views were breathtaking with endless snow-capped peaks and blue glacial crevasses. The pilot was friendly, informative and ensured everyone had great visibility throughout the flight. We landed on the glacier and the moment we stepped onto the snow surrounded by incredible alpine views felt surreal, truly once in a lifetime. The crisp mountain air and the silence up there were unforgettable. It was honestly one of the best 20 minutes of my life, thrilling yet peaceful. 📸 Landscape videos were taken with the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and portrait shots with the iPhone 16, both captured the beauty perfectly. Highly recommended. 👍

Well worth the trip. A must do. Jay our pilot was very knowledgeable about the glacier and surrounding area and even helped us take photos. Very safe journey. An amazing experience overall. If you do anything, then do this.

A massive thank you to The Helicopter Line for going above and beyond to reschedule us around the weather so we could tick this off our bucket list in our final hours at Franz Josef. The booking process from start to finish was seamless, and the team were incredibly responsive and helpful throughout. What an unforgettable experience. Easily one of the highlights of our trip and truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Would highly recommend to anyone. Worth every cent!

Amazing experience. We have been so lucky with the weather. I would like also to thanks the staff. Everyone was really nice and special thanks to our Pilot Jay!

We did the helicopter plus the 2 hour hike. It was a blast! We had so much fun. It's definitely a unique experience. Our guide Amy was super cool. Highly recommend!

Fantastic service. Unfortunately the weather was not great so we could not fly on the planned day. Hugo moved to another day. We were fortunate enough to be very flexible ( as we know the weather is the weather and these guys can't change it). When we eventually flew it was amazing. The pilot Cody was really awesome and not being a great flyer he put me at ease. Was unsure about this trip but very happy we did it😁 great job team you are all awesome 💕

This must be one of the most amazing stay we had in South Island New Zealand this trip! Everything is clean and spotless. Well thought off facilities. From the kitchen amenities, rooms layout, towels etc. The Nespresso machine is really a pleasant surprise. The owners certainly put in lots of effort, probably live like a guest in those rooms to get everything right. They really get every things right down to the very last details. 👍😁 The daily service is really unexpected too and really appreciated! Highly recommended.

Solid 5 star for this motel. The room super tidy and have this clean,crisp smell. The carpark designated just right in front of the door so easy to unload luggage. The host is lovely too! This place really make my day after long driving. Highly recommended!

I had an amazing stay at Aspen Court Franz Josef! The rooms were spotless, spacious, and beautifully maintained with modern amenities and a cozy vibe that made me feel right at home. The heated floors and spa bath were such a luxury after a chilly day of exploring the glacier! The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, offering great local tips and ensuring everything was perfect during my stay. The location is ideal—peaceful yet just a short walk to shops, cafes, and attractions. Highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Franz Josef. It’s easily one of the best accommodations I’ve experienced in New Zealand. Can’t wait to come back!

Loved our time here. The motel is so close to everything and has such stunning views and the service is hands down 10/10 constantly checking on us each morning seeing if we need anything, best service we have received. When we come back to the South Island this will definitely be the place we chose to stay at again :) thank you

Very comfortable, clean & tidy. Excellent facilities in each room. Very friendly and helpful check in staff. Overall Very nice motel complex within easy walking distance of bar and restaurants

Our stay at Aspen Court Franz Josef was absolutely fantastic! The rooms were spacious, spotless, and incredibly comfortable—everything you’d want after a day exploring the stunning glacier region. What really made our visit special were the hosts, Pam and Peter. They were so welcoming, kind, and full of helpful local tips that made our trip even better. You can really tell they care about their guests and take pride in providing a top-notch experience. From the cozy atmosphere to the beautiful setting, everything about Aspen Court was perfect. We felt right at home and would happily stay here again. Thank you, Pam and Peter, for your hospitality—you made our time in Franz Josef unforgettable!

Very clean and front desk was very helpful! We wished we were staying longer but will definitely return! Thank you for making such a memorable stay!

Excellent location. We have traveled 10 days into North Ireland and are on our 20th day in the south island and this place has is the best beds that we’ve slept on and the best pillows. The view from our window is breathtaking and every day it’s different, depending on where the clouds are and where the sun is shining. We stayed 4 nights.

Me and my partner came here a few years ago and had an amazing time. This time we didn't have a good experience. We asked for a upgrade (happy to pay more btw) as the motel looked dead and got told no as they are fully booked. Which is fine however the motel was dead and no one was in those rooms when we were there. Also wanted our room serviced so went to front office as there was no service card to put on door. Asked to please have our room serviced gor a reply of yes no problem. Came back 4 hours later and nothing was done. Won't be coming back here as the service is bad.

Perfect place to spend the night, stones throw from shops and restaurants. Bonus is waking up with view of the snow clad mountain.

Good winter season prices. Hot shower. Small kitchen with nothing 😅

We got the motel room located in the corner that had excellent views of the snow laden mountain from both inside and outside room. It was spacious room for a family of 3, with 1 double bed and a single bed right by the window. The room was good size with a decent size kitchen, and very well warmed with the electric fire place. There were few issues due to which I do not give a full star rating: 1. Bathroom shower was very poor, no pressure in water and it had either very hot or cool water coming out 2. The laundry was paid and located at quite a walk with no soap in the unit. One had to come to reception to buy soap which I found very inconvenient. There was no baskets or bags at the laundry room either to help carry the clothes to a distance. 3. Internet was very sketchy, don’t know if that was an issue with this particular hotel or is a problem in all hotels A comfortable and relaxing stay otherwise.

Everything is so perfect ..only problem we face that less number of kichenites than the usual

Great 4-star motel - clean, big comfortable rooms. King sized bed with room heating / bed warmers if needed. Our room has mountain views, and it’s centrally located just next to Alice May restaurant and the West Coast Nature Center. Supermarket is short walking distance only. Happy to recommend as a great value motel at Franz Josef!

Excellent tour using private trails out to the glacier viewing platform. Anyone can walk to the platform, but being guided along the private trails with a walking commentary on local botany, fauna, and glacier history is definitely the way to do it, Cliff is an absolute treasure trove of information.The side trip to Peter's Pool was fantastic. Morning tea with yummy biscuits was a bonus.

Not just a hike! I learned so much about the native plants here while exploring a beautiful, ancient magical forest. We also walked along a riverbed with stunning views of the Fox Glacier terminus and even enjoyed hot chocolate by the river. We also crossed a stream and took a less popular track! It was such an engaging and unique hiking tour—I highly recommend it if you’re visiting the West Coast!

We booked this walking tour to the Fox glacier from the UK before our holiday. The booking was based on the good reviews and we were not disappointed. From the start at the office the welcome was warm and friendly. Our guide for the walk was Mel who was delightful. She soon displayed her great wealth of knowledge and passion for the bush. We were lucky that we were the only 2 on the tour so we were able to ask loads of questions. It was very obvious that the tour wasn’t scripted, instead our questions and the insight into the flora, fauna and geology of the glacier and rain forest environment were based on deep knowledge and understanding of the subject. Thank you so much Mel, we had a great time!

We really enjoyed our trek with GVET. Sophie loves what she does and it shows. She lead us on a 2.5 hour trek, and shared information on the amazing and unique flora, birds, and geography. We even had a hot chocolate in a glacier floodplain - a first for me. Highly recommended!

We absolutely loved this hike and our day with the guide. He was so knowledgable and let us on a very interesting hike up a path to view the glacier. He also had a lot of history about the past. I highly recommend this.

Our guide Cliff was knowledgeable and funny. He also made sure to lend us a pair of hiking boots which were perfect for the walk. Loved the trek.

We had our tour with Cliff and Tyler and thoroughly enjoyed it. They were super friendly and helpful, we got some interesting insights into the area. The rain was heavy when we went but that didn’t stop us and we managed to catch a glimpse of the glacier. The walk, especially in wet weather, may be challenging for some but we didn’t have any issues with it.

Improvements could be made about the directions to get to this house - signs were lacking from the main road. If you're planning to cook meals during your stay, there is only salt & pepper available so any further ingredients e.g. basic oil and sugar etc would have to be purchased at your own expense. Overall we had a comfortable stay at this house for our South Island trip.

Nice place with kitchen and laundry. Toilets and showers very clean

Nice accommodation for the night. Neighbors a bit noisy.

The toilet and bathroom only 3 so we must quee

Thanks

(Translated by Google) The camper site is really modest, everything close together, with gravel on which you can hear every step and every vehicle. The toilets and shower rooms are borderline. The only good thing is the proximity to the location where you can book food and helicopter excursions. Be sure to fill up before you go there. (Original) Die Camper Site ist wirklich bescheiden, alles dicht an dicht, mit Schotter auf dem man jeden Schritt und jedes Fahrzeug hört. Die Toiletten und Duschräume grenzwertig.Nur gut ist die Nähe zur Örtlichkeit wo man Essen und Heliausflüge buchen kann. Unbedingt tanken bevor ihr dort hinfahrt.

(Translated by Google) Comfortable hot bath, big bed, big kitchen, big living room, fireplace... can there be more~ (Original) 舒適的熱水澡，大床，大廚房，大客廳，璧爐……還能更多嗎～

(Translated by Google) Really great path through the middle of the jungle (Original) Ganz toller Weg mitten durch den Dschungel

(Translated by Google) After watching the Franz Josef Glacier, we stopped in this town to look for a public toilet. Beautiful town 20250331 (Original) 看完Franz Josef 冰河後，停在此鎮找公廁一下，優美的小鎮20250331