Heading South From Franz Josef
Take in the array of different experiences and scenery as the road takes you through picture perfect ice-capped mountains and coastal views. The journey is fantastic in all weathers: on clear sunny days, the views are spectacular, but on rainy days, you’ll get to see flowing rivers and waterfalls as they carve their way through naturally formed gorges and culverts to the sea.
A point to remember is that Franz Josef currently has the only automatic teller machine (ATM) until you get to Wanaka and Queenstown, so it may pay to ensure you top up your cash before leaving. However, most of the businesses en route will give cash out from there EFT-POS terminals and credit cards are widely accepted.
Those keen on fishing should ensure they purchase a licence to fish the rivers and lakes; you do not need a license to fish in the sea. Licences can be purchased from the Department of Conservation (DOC) or from the service stations in both Franz and Fox Glaciers.
As you head south on your journey you will pass through the Fox Hills along a very windy and hilly, picturesque road which takes approximately 20 – 30 minutes and takes you into the Fox Glacier Township.