Most visitors reach the Franz Josef township on the West Coast by driving State Highway 6 from Queenstown or Greymouth. From town, a 4-kilometer drive down the Glacier Access Road ends at the main car park.
Glacier Access Road, Franz Josef
Take State Highway 6 north for 350 kilometres. The route passes through Wānaka and crosses the Haast Pass along the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park. Expect sharp, blind corners on this winding mountain road. Heavy rain frequently closes the highway due to rockfall or flooding, so check the daily access update before leaving. You'll need about five hours to complete the trip, factoring in necessary rest breaks. You pass Fox Glacier 20 kilometres before arriving in Franz Josef. From the township, the glacier car park is another four kilometres down the Glacier Access Road.
Take State Highway 73 straight over the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass. At the coast, turn south onto State Highway 6. You'll drive 382 kilometres total, passing through Greymouth and the historic gold-rush town of Hokitika. The alpine crossing is steep. Caution is required during winter storms between June and August. Expect the drive to take roughly five hours without stops, but heavy rain can trigger flash flooding or rockfalls that block the road entirely. Once in Franz Josef, park at the glacier car park for $20 per day, payable only by card.
InterCity runs a daily direct coach service from Queenstown to Franz Josef. The bus follows State Highway 6 through the Haast Pass. It covers 350 kilometres in roughly eight and a half hours, including scheduled rest stops. It's a long day in a seat — but it spares you the fatigue of navigating the blind corners and winding mountain roads yourself. Book early for summer travel between November and February, when the township is crowded and accommodation prices peak. Fares vary by season and operator.
There isn't a single direct bus between Christchurch and Franz Josef. Travelers rely on InterCity coach services, requiring a transfer on the West Coast, usually in Greymouth. The total journey takes just over eight hours. Tickets cost between $130 and $230 NZD. Many visitors ride the TranzAlpine train to Greymouth first, picking up a bus for the final leg south along State Highway 6. Watch the weather closely. Autumn and winter storms routinely delay coastal transit, and heavy rain can close the highway due to flooding or rockfall.
Head south on State Highway 6 for 173 kilometres. The road traces the West Coast, passing through Hokitika and several smaller settlements. It's the standard final leg for anyone arriving in Greymouth by train. The drive takes just over two hours. From the township, drive four kilometres to the glacier car park. Parking costs $20 per day or $2.50 per half hour, payable only by card. The first twenty minutes are free. The car park is the starting point for the 1.7-kilometre valley walk to the glacier viewpoint.
The Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk begins at the car park at the end of the Glacier Access Road. This 1.7-kilometre track is graded easy to intermediate, taking about 30 minutes each way. The path winds through native rainforest and past waterfalls before a short, steep uphill section reveals a view of the Waiho River and the retreating ice. Don't cross the marked safety barriers. The Waiho River frequently surges, and flash flooding or rockfalls can occur within minutes during downpours. Drones are prohibited without a permit.
Drive 4 km from the township to the glacier car park at the end of the access road. You'll pay $2.50 per half hour or $20 for the day at the card-only machines, though the first 20 minutes are free. Visitors with limited mobility can take in lower-valley views straight from the lot.
Swipe to see more
| From | Mode | Time | Cost | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queenstown | Car | 4 hours 40 minutes to 5 hours | Variable (fuel and rental) | Take SH6 over the Haast Pass. The road has sharp, blind corners, so plan for rest breaks. |
| Queenstown | Bus | About 8.5 hours | Varies by operator and season | InterCity runs a daily direct coach via Haast Pass. The travel time includes scheduled stops. |
| Christchurch | Car | About 5 hours | Variable (fuel and rental) | Take SH73 over Arthur's Pass across the Southern Alps, then switch to SH6 down the West Coast. |
| Christchurch | Bus (with transfer) | About 8 hours 8 minutes | $130–$230 NZD | There is no direct service. You have to transfer in Greymouth or another hub to catch a southbound InterCity coach. |
| Greymouth | Car | 2 hours 12 minutes | Variable (fuel and rental) | Take SH6 south past Hokitika. This is the standard connection if you take the TranzAlpine train to the coast. |
Pack a credit or debit card for the glacier car park. The on-site machines charge $2.50 per half hour or $20 for the day, and they do not accept cash. You can park for free if you leave within 20 minutes.
Verify track access before driving out. Heavy rain frequently closes the Glacier Access Road due to rockfall or flooding. Stop by the Visitor Centre at 69 Cron Street after 8:30am or check Glaciercountry.co.nz for daily updates.
Take breaks if driving State Highway 6 from Queenstown. The 350 km drive takes about five hours and crosses the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park. The road is full of sharp, blind corners that require strict caution.
Build buffer days into your itinerary for helicopter tours. High winds, low cloud, or rain frequently ground flights and heli-hikes. Book your slot in advance during the peak summer months of November through February, but anticipate short-notice rescheduling.
Never cross safety markers to get closer to the ice. The valley is prone to sudden flash floods and river surges from bursting ice dams. The Department of Conservation warns that visitors have died after ignoring these signs.
No. You can drive to the glacier car park at the end of the Glacier Access Road, which is about 4 km from Franz Josef township. From there, you'll need to take the 1.7 km walking track to reach the viewpoint.
Parking at the glacier car park costs $2.50 per half hour or $20 for the day. Bring a card. The on-site machines don't take cash, though you get the first 20 minutes free.
The 350 km trip takes about four hours and 40 minutes of driving, though most people plan for five hours with stops. You'll take SH6 the entire way over the Haast Pass. The road is winding with sharp, blind corners, so take it slow.
Drive west on SH73 over Arthur's Pass, then head south down the West Coast on SH6. The 382 km journey takes roughly five hours by car. If you take the bus, expect an eight-hour trip with a transfer in Greymouth or another hub.
InterCity and other operators run a daily direct coach from Queenstown along SH6, taking about eight and a half hours. There is no single direct bus from Christchurch. You'll need to catch a coach to Greymouth and transfer there to finish the trip south.
No. The Waiho River changed course and cut off foot access up the valley, so the free 1.7 km track only takes you to a distant viewpoint. Getting onto the ice itself requires booking a guided helicopter hike.
The road and walking track are open during daylight hours year-round, but heavy rain can close them for flooding or rockfall. Check current conditions before heading out. The visitor centre at 69 Cron Street in the township has daily updates.
Browse verified tours with free cancellation and instant confirmation.
Find Tours