Franz Josef Glacier in the top 100!
Rough Guides has just published their “The Rough Guide to 100 Best Places on Earth 2020” and we were stoked to see that Franz Josef…
Rainforest is growing
Rainforest Franz Josef is excited to announce 19 new Rainforest Retreat rooms, opening in time for Christmas 2017. Rainforest is growing, and has recently acquired…
West Coast Experiences not to miss: Glacier Hot Pools
The wonderful West Coast is full of surprises. From the raw beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Westland National Park to the incredible…
Pre-Booking Activities in Franz Josef
Should I pre-book activities in Franz Josef before I arrive? According to the map, Franz Josef is not much more than a small…
More than meets the eye at Franz Josef Glacier’s hidden bush retreat
Rainforest Retreat is nestled snugly amongst the famous lush West Coast bush. The tranquil setting makes for a unique stay amongst the trees and keeps…
4 Reasons Winter Is The Best Time To Visit The South Island
Heading to New Zealand this winter and expecting blizzards, whiteouts, and sub-zero temperatures? Well, hang on, before you pack your snowshoes, you need to know…
Beyond the Glacier Valley Walk: More Walks Around Franz Josef Glacier
Done the Franz Josef Glacier Valley and still want more? Perhaps you’ve ticked the glacier heli-hike experience off your list but still need more of…
New Zealand is The Best Country In The World (It’s Official)
For a small country at the bottom of the world, New Zealand punches well above its weight in the sightseeing stakes. It seems hardly a…
For the best view of Franz Josef Glacier, take to the skies
A lot of adjectives get casually thrown around when talking about the West Coast. Spectacular, striking, and immense regularly make an appearance in reference to…
When is the best time of year to visit Franz Josef Glacier?
Does the thought of glaciers invoke visions of cold temperatures, falling snow and crunchy ice? The truth is, New Zealand’s Glacier Country enjoys fairly mild…
Around Franz Josef: Bruce Bay and Lake Paringa
The South Island is renowned for its wild and remote locations. And it doesn’t get much wilder or remote than Bruce Bay. Located 30 minutes…
West Coast Events
The West Coast is renowned for impressive scenery and remote landscapes. But if you want to dig a little deeper and explore the heart of…
The Cheeky West Coast Parrot – The Kea
There‘s something unique about New Zealand‘s native birds and it has to do with New Zealand‘s geological past.
The Story of Franz Josef Glacier – The Frozen Tears of Hinehukatere
Just behind the township of Franz Josef, nestled amongst the majestic Southern Alps, is the mighty Franz Josef Glacier. This enormous river of ice is…
Which Glacier: Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier?
Planning a visit to Glacier Country and wondering whether you should do a Franz Josef Glacier experience or a Fox Glacier experience? Don’t stress. If…
West Coast Hidden Gem: Gillespies Beach and Galway Beach Seal Colony
On the West Coast, the glaciers are the superstars. These celebrities of the tourism world are the sights that everyone comes to see. And rightly…
Disappearing tracks and wild rides: The history of the road to Franz Josef Glacier
As you cruise along the sealed, smooth surface of Highway 6 into Franz Josef Glacier, spare a thought for those hardy souls who first made…
How Long Should I spend on the West Coast
Accounting for 10% of New Zealand’s landmass, yet only 1% of its population, the mighty West Coast of the South Island is a striking destination.…
What we learnt at Glacier Base: 5 facts about Franz Josef Glacier
Earlier this year the Franz Josef Glacier Guides team moved into the brand new Glacier Base Building. Seeing as Glacier Base is one of our…
Jump the Southern Hemisphere’s highest tandem skydive at Franz Josef Glacier
Heading to Franz Josef Glacier and feeling the need to do something truly amazing, terrifying… and exhilarating? Then it’s got to be a skydive. And…
Want to see the worlds rarest kiwi?
Throughout New Zealand, kiwis are under threat. These shy, nocturnal, flightless birds are vulnerable to introduced predators as well as habitat destruction. Out of the…
