Day 7: Franz Josef to Franz Josef

With Aoraki/Mount Cook (New Zealand’s highest mountain) twinkling behind the glaciers, Franz Josef is about as beautiful a setting as you can find in New Zealand. Westland Tai Poutini National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage area, is famous for the spectacular Franz Josef glacier which is located just 5 kilometres from town.

Te Wāhi Pounamu (which means ‘the place of greenstone’ in Māori) is the name given to this part of the West Coast because of the abundance of pounamu (greenstone/jade) to be found here. Today you have the special opportunity to carve your very own pounamu pendant at a local gallery, it’s a very special experience.

Although they are weather permitting, there are heaps of ways to enjoy Franz Josef Glacier in the afternoon. Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight and hike onto the glaciers, kayak on a glacial lake or just take a walk in the National Park, the choice is yours. Later in the evening you may even like to take part in some group karaoke… or maybe just watch!