Ways to reach Franz Josef
State Highway 6 links Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. From the south it runs through Haast and Makarora to Otago, and from the north through Greymouth. You can drive or take the InterCity bus. A local shuttle covers the last stretch to the glacier car park.
Driving times are planning values from a regional guide and do not include stops or road works. Road conditions on the southern approach have changed recently, so read the section on the Haast Pass before you set out.
Driving distances and times
Planning values for normal conditions.
| Place | Distance to Franz Josef | Drive time | Bus time to Franz Josef (InterCity) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox Glacier | 24 km | 24 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Greymouth | 173 km | 2 hours 12 minutes | 3 hours 34 minutes |
| Wānaka | 285 km | 3 hours 38 minutes | 6 hours 25 minutes |
| Queenstown | 351 km | 4 hours 40 minutes | 8 hours |
| Christchurch | 382 km | 5 hours | – |
The bus from Franz Josef to Queenstown is listed separately at 8 hours 30 minutes. Another operator gives slightly longer drive estimates from Fox Glacier: about 6 hours to Christchurch, 5 hours to Queenstown and 3.5 hours to Wānaka. The figure for Christchurch does not say which road it uses. InterCity links the connection from Christchurch via Greymouth and the TranzAlpine train.
Transfers, day trips and tours from Franz Josef
Guided tours and transport options along the West Coast, with live prices and availability.
The Haast Pass and the southern road
Check the road before you leave Wānaka or Queenstown.
Severe weather in August 2026 damaged State Highway 6 between Makarora and Lake Hāwea at more than 100 places and closed the road from 28 August. Press reports from 9 October 2026 say it is open to through traffic again. On weekdays, from 08:00 to 17:30, traffic goes through a 9 km stretch under guidance, which adds up to 30 minutes. Outside those hours expect temporary speed limits and traffic lights. This is a news report and not a live status, and conditions can change, so check the NZ Transport Agency journey planner on the day.
That damaged stretch lies on the southern approach. It is not on the access road to the glaciers at Franz Josef. A storm on 26 March 2019 also damaged the highway and the Waiho River bridge. A replacement bridge has been open since 13 April 2019, so detour notices from 2019 no longer apply.
Fuel on the coast
A regional directory lists Glacier Motors at 20 Main Road in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier Motors at 52 Main Road in Fox, each with 24-hour fuel. Do not count on that late at night with a nearly empty tank. There is no fuel in Ōkārito.
Parking at the glacier
DOC charges NZ$2.50 per half hour, up to NZ$20 per day, and the first 10 minutes are free since 1 September 2026. Pay on arrival at a machine, by card only. The road to the car park is unsealed and about 4 km long from the Waiho bridge. It is suitable for cars, campervans and buses.
Entry fees
The parking fee is separate from any entry charge. DOC is consulting on access charges for international visitors at other named sites, and Franz Josef and Fox are not on that list. Do not mix these up with the visitor levy below.
By bus and local shuttle
No car needed for the main sights.
InterCity runs regular services from Nelson, Queenstown and along the West Coast. The Franz Josef stop is on Main Road. Not every route runs every day, and road works can change the timetable, so check the days when you book. Fares vary by date, so none are listed here. InterCity's terms list a non-refundable booking fee of NZ$6.50, while an older help page says NZ$5.50 online. Check the total at checkout.
A local shuttle service lists NZ$15 per person return to the glacier, with pickups at accommodation at 08:45, 10:45, 12:45, 14:45, 16:45 and 17:45 and returns between 09:00 and 19:30. The timetable is undated, so confirm it when you book. The same operator lists Lake Matheson and Ōkārito at NZ$55 each and a Fox and Lake Matheson combination at NZ$75 per person return, for at least 2 people.
The shuttle takes you to the car park. The walk from there goes to a lookout and does not reach the ice, as the glacier walk page explains. For the lakes and the coast, see Lake Matheson and Okarito.
Before you arrive
Costs and routes that affect the whole trip.
Travellers who need a visa or an NZeTA pay the International Visitor Levy of NZ$100 with the application, not at the glacier. Exceptions include New Zealand and Australian passport holders. Continuing south from the coast, getting to Mount Cook and the route from Queenstown to Milford Sound have their own guides.
Getting to Franz Josef: frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive from Queenstown to Franz Josef?
A regional guide gives 351 km and 4 hours 40 minutes in normal conditions, via Wānaka and the Haast Pass. Add time for stops and for any guided stretch on State Highway 6.
Is the Haast Pass open?
Press reports from 9 October 2026 say State Highway 6 between Makarora and Lake Hāwea is open to through traffic again, with guided passage on weekdays. Check the NZ Transport Agency journey planner on the day you travel.
Is there a bus to Franz Josef?
Yes. InterCity serves Franz Josef from Nelson, Queenstown and along the West Coast. The stop is on Main Road. Check the days and times for your date.
Where can I get fuel near the glaciers?
A regional directory lists Glacier Motors in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier Motors in Fox, both with 24-hour fuel. There is no fuel in Ōkārito.
What does the glacier car park cost?
DOC charges NZ$2.50 per half hour, up to NZ$20 per day, and the first 10 minutes are free. Pay by card at the machine when you arrive.