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A Trip to Franz Josef

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If you have never been to this gorgeous part of New Zealand it’s time to book a date – you are in for a treat…

Glacier Country is located on the West Coast of New Zealand's beautiful South Island. It is easily accessible by driving in from Christchurch via Arthurs Pass or from Queenstown from the southern Haast Pass. Air and rail connections can be made at Greymouth and Hokitika, further north on the West Coast. It is one special spot and well worth a visit.

The Franz Josef township and its glacier descends deep into the lush rainforest of Westland’s National Park. Franz is the world’s steepest and fastest flowing commercially guided glacier and is home to what many would consider some of New Zealand’s best adventures.

The best way to see the glacier is to join a guided walk with Franz Josef Glacier Guides. Or take one of the many stunning walks from the glacier carpark.

The small township is expanding with more upmarket accommodation, more restaurants and is soon to be home to a five star eco retreat, Te Waonui - the West Coast’s first major five star eco hotel in September.

The 100-room hotel is completely hidden in pristine native bush, while being almost right in the centre of Franz Josef village. Te Waonui has been designed to meld into the surrounding native bush and every room has a view looking straight into dense native bush. It features predominately sustainable building materials and makes concession for the abundant West Coast rain with large roofs and massive shelter in the outdoor spaces. The retreat has already encouraged native birds through its feeding stations in the courtyard bush.

Just a peek through the bush – about 20 metres, is the grand new Ngai Tahu-owned Glacier Hot Pools. Gently plunge into one of five hot thermal pools and listen to the tui, bellbirds and see the fantails. The three main pools are set at 36, 38 and 40 degrees, nestled right next to the Punga, ferns and sound of divine bird songs. This might well be paradise.

The pools, fed by pure local glacier water, are immersed in real native bush, rimu, ferns and pungas.
There’s even a massage treatment room which captures the stunning view of the beautiful bush setting. Masseuse Linda Gibson is considered one of the best in the country. Formerly from Christchurch she now considers she has a base in heaven – next to the the Okarito Lagoon, famous for its eco-nature and its famous resident Booker prize winning author Keri Hulme.

There are so many activities to take part in in the region; hiking on the glacier, rafting, Okarito lagoon tour, horse trekking, glacier eco tour, kayaking, indoor ice climb, quad biking or bush walking… Whichever you choose, Franz Josef is one of the best places in the South Island to enjoy our magic pristine New Zealand environment.

Article by Kip Brook - www.wordofmouthnz.com