Located on the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand, 148 kms south of Greymouth and at the beginning of the Westland National Park, Franz Josef is a small town (pop 320) located near the world famous Franz Josef Glacier.

At Franz Josef there is a range of activities ranging from the walks on Franz Josef Glacier with a duration of 3 hours, bush walks, scenic helicopter flights of Mt Cook, Fox, Tasman and Franz Josef Glaciers, to name a few of the activities that are available.

Visitors to Franz Josef will find a small but comfortable township with a First Class hotel, a good selection of motel, hostel and motor camp accommodation and several restaurants. Despite being in the wilderness, the town has all essential services including a good garage, a district nurse and Visitors Centre and Department of Conservation Office.