Franz Josef Parking Waterfall

Un-officially named, Franz Josef Parking Waterfall is found at the begging of the walk path which leads to Franz Josef Glacier. It’s seen from a DOC track and isn’t required any payments.

Driving and walking conditions
GPS of the view point:	S 43° 25' 56.4738" E 170° 9' 50.6196"
Parking:	Franz Josef Glacier Road, Franz Josef Glacier
Vehicle type:	Track type:
Road type: Sealed	Return track duration: 5min
Waterfall parameters
Waterfall height: 25m	Type of the waterfall: Ribbon

Rating:       ⭐
GPS:          S 43° 25' 56.4738" E 170° 9' 50.6196"
Parking:     Franz Josef Glacier Road, Franz Josef Glacier
Access:     5min return walk

Walking and driving instructions

Franz Josef Parking Waterfall is roughly a 10-minutes' drive away from Franz Josef Village, or 2-hours’ from Hokitika. The road surface is always sealed.

From Franz Josef Village head south on the SH-6, then, immediately past the bridge over the Waiho River, turn left into Franz Josef Glacier Rd and follow it for the next 3.5 km. The carpark is at the end of Franz Josef Glacier Rd. There are picnic tables and toilets there.

From the parking follow the popular Franz Josef Glacier Walk (you don't need to pay for it), then roughly in 5 minutes you'll see the waterfall on the on the right hand side. We are not sure whether a closer approach is possible.

From here, follow the rocky path until you reach a viewing platform overlooking the terminal face of the Franz Josef Glacier (45 minutes), or return back via the same track (2 minutes). The walk is more or less simple but it could be dangerous. Please refer to the DOC site, Hazards section for more information.

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