The Glacier Hot Pools are closed
The Glacier Hot Pools used to be the well-known soak in Franz Josef. They are closed now. The operator's old web address for the pools no longer shows a ticket price list or an opening notice. It redirects to the page of Franz Josef Glacier Guides instead. A reopening is not announced, so treat the pools as unavailable and check the current status before you rely on any listing.
This matters because old information stays online. Some older pages still show opening hours or tickets from before the closure, and some of them contradict themselves. A page that says the pools are currently closed can still list opening times further down. Ignore opening hours and prices you find for the Glacier Hot Pools, and do not buy a ticket for them.
This is an independent guide. It is not run by the pool operator or by any other business mentioned here.
Franz Josef hot pools and hot tubs compared
One is closed, one is a different kind of business.
| Place | What it is | Status in 2026 | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glacier Hot Pools | The former soaking pools in Franz Josef | Closed | Do not plan around them |
| Waiho Hot Tubs | Hot tubs opposite the Glacier Base building, which Franz Josef Glacier Guides points to as its bathing option | Operating hours differ between the operator's pages | Ask about the hours and the price before you go |
Waiho Hot Tubs is a separate business. It is not the same as the Glacier Hot Pools, and its tickets, hours and prices are different.
Tours and activities in Franz Josef
Flights, guided walks, kayaking and other activities around Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, with live prices and availability.
If you still want a soak: Waiho Hot Tubs
What the operator publishes, and what to confirm.
Waiho Hot Tubs sits across from the Glacier Base building on Cron Street, the base of Franz Josef Glacier Guides. The operator says towels and fresh water are included. The published opening times are not consistent. One page gives from 14:30 until sunset every day, with longer hours on request. Another gives summer hours from 11:30 until after dusk and winter hours from 14:30 to 18:30. The safe approach is to ask at booking which one applies on your day.
Prices are not fixed, so ask for the current one. After a long day on the ice the soak can be a good end to a heli hike, see the Franz Josef heli hike page.
Rainy-day options in Franz Josef and Fox
Rain is normal here, as the weather page shows. These options cope with it.
Short rainforest walks
The Sentinel Rock walk is 900 m return and takes about 20 minutes, with views over the valley, the Waiho River and the glacier when the cloud lifts. Check hazards first: flash floods and rockfall are possible, and the road or track can close after heavy rain or slips.
Valley walk →The Ōkārito wetland boardwalk
The Ōkārito Wetland Walk is 1 km return and takes about 20 minutes. Bring sandfly repellent and food, since Ōkārito has no shop or petrol station.
Ōkārito →Café time at Lake Matheson
The Matheson Cafe at the start of the track serves breakfast and lunch. Opening hours differ between sources, so confirm them.
Lake Matheson →A flight on a flexible day
Helicopter flights stop for rain and low cloud, but they run when the cloud lifts. Keep a spare day.
Helicopter flights →The DOC visitor centre
The Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre is at 69 Cron Street in Franz Josef and is the contact point named by the Department of Conservation. Check its opening hours before you go.
A drive to Hokitika
Hokitika Gorge is a long day trip from Franz Josef, about 2 hours 15 minutes one way without stops (1 hour 43 minutes to Hokitika plus about 30 minutes on to the gorge). After heavy rain the water can turn grey.
Hokitika Gorge →Franz Josef hot pools: frequently asked questions
Are the Glacier Hot Pools open?
No. They are closed. Do not rely on old tickets, prices or opening hours you may find online.
When will the Glacier Hot Pools reopen?
No reopening is announced. Check the current status before any plan depends on it.
Is Waiho Hot Tubs the same thing?
No. It is a separate business opposite the Glacier Base building, with its own times and prices.
Did my heli hike include hot pool tickets?
Do not assume so. Read your booking confirmation to see what is included.
What should I do on a rainy day in Franz Josef?
Short rainforest walks, the café at Lake Matheson, the Ōkārito wetland boardwalk, or a flight on a day when the cloud lifts. The list above has the details.
Is this site run by the pools?
No. This is an independent guide with no link to any pool, hot tub business or tour operator.