Fox Glacier township

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

A quieter alternative with a slower vibe than the touristy Franz Josef, better for smaller tour groups.

Places in Fox Glacier township

Fox Glacier township dining Dining in the quieter twin town with a slower vibe than Franz Josef.
Fox Glacier township bar A bar in the quieter twin town, popular with smaller tour groups.

Best time to visit: December to March offers the clearest weather for glacier heli-hikes, though weather can be unpredictable year-round.
Getting around: Franz Josef township is the main hub with the most hotels and restaurants, with Fox Glacier township a short drive south offering a quieter, less crowded base.
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Language: English and te reo Māori.
Timezone: NZST (UTC+12, UTC+13 in summer)
Current trends: The glacier towns' hospitality scene continues to split along the Franz Josef-Fox Glacier divide, with Franz Josef's five-star hotel and luxury hot pools anchoring the touristy, activity-dense side while Fox Glacier's slower vibe and smaller tour groups draw travelers seeking quieter ice-cave access with less helicopter traffic.

Franz Josef township — The busier of the two towns, with lots of great accommodations and restaurants, and a five-star hotel with luxury hot pools.
Lake Mapourika district — Home to fishing tours where you can catch salmon or brown trout with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours.