Hiking Trails in Franz Josef

THE 10 BEST Franz Josef Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails in Franz Josef

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What travellers are saying

  • gabriellet787
    Kununurra, Australia100 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Although entire area is focused on tourism, it's worth a visit and embrace the amazing attractions. Landscape is stunning and all the activities an unforgettable experience.
    Written 15 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PHessel54
    Düsseldorf, Germany5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Quite some climbing over potentially slippery rocks. It took us 3 hours up including photostops...
    If there are clouds the Alex Knob will offer no views...
    Written 14 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michael C
    Derby, UK2,011 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We drove to the car park at the end of the Glacier Access Road and then followed the easy footpath for a few hundred metres to a lovely pool. It is a beautiful spot with the glacier and the mountains in the background. On a sunny day this is a beautiful place.
    Written 13 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • James L
    Los Angeles, CA188 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you are looking for an alternative to walking up toward Franz Josef glacier, this would be a good short hike. It runs uphill alongside a rushing river. The tunnels are only fun if you like hiking in a wet and dark place. There is nothing to actually see in the tunnels but it is interesting to read about the tunnels' history at the entrance.
    Written 1 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stephen & Sue
    Canberra, Australia2,488 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Landslips have taken out the end of this track (and a section in the middle) so it’s now a one way hike of about 90 minutes duration to the gorge.
    Much of it is dull, as a long slog up a 4WD access track, parts of which are quite steep. It’s only after you pass the water tanks (and the disconcerting signs warning of explosives) that you reach the spectacular lookout over the river valley below and then plunge into the rainforest.
    From here on, it’s lovely – streams, a waterfall, bridge, ferns and moss until you final reach the end of the track at the suspension bridge over the Gorge and then turn back and do it all again.
    A nice enough addition to the walks and scenery around the glaciers.
    You can combine this with Tartare Tunnels, which diverts off part way up the 4WD track.
    Written 26 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sally d
    Glencoe, KY68 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful once again! Interesting to see how far the glacier has receded. The walk is fairly easy and well kept.
    Written 1 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dianedinky
    Dunfermline, UK791 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was told there were glow worms to be seen on this path so set off when darkness fell. I just had the torch on my phone but should really have had a better beam with me as got pitch black very quickly. The path is a bit uneven with stones and steep in parts so need to take care. I ended up walking too far and thought there was nothing here but actually many glow worms can be found just a couple of minutes walk in from the road. i saw them under a large tree on my way back. hard to tak good photos but you get a good clear view when there. Also saw a possum running back up to the treetop. A pleasant way to pass an evening.
    Written 9 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Edward Tomlins-Gill
    Leighton Buzzard, UK7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We walked the track in Feb 2023 and it was delightful. Not as hard as stated by many guides but it does get steep in the final third.

    No boulder scrambling or rock climbing necessary at any stage though!

    The walk took us 2H:30M to get up and 1H:55M to get down: 4H:25M all told compared with the 7H recommended by Te Papa Atawhai and 8H recommended by lonely planet.

    We were lucky with the weather as it was crystal clear blue sky all day and the views on top of the Knob were outstanding. We stayed up there for an hour to see everything and just enjoy it.

    Thoroughly recommended.
    Written 23 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • juliegnz
    56 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Now the walk to the glacier view is only 15 minutes, if you are staying in Franz Josef consider walking all the way and avoid to busy carpark. You get to go over thd pedestrian bit of the bailey bridge and then under the road and on a completely separated path. Mostly completely away from the road and through native forest. We combined with lake wombat and it was a great day.
    Written 1 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Graham
    112 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great short walk on a good or bad day. There is a good car park just west of the Franz Josef bridge. The walk follows along the flood defences and then through the forest to the lookout near the summit. On a good day you will get a good view of the Franz Josef glacier. Round trip about 1 hour.
    Written 22 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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