Day 12: Franz Josef flex day
2026-11-13 · Franz Josef → Franz Josef
31 mi · 50 km · 47m @40mph
A deliberate buffer day. Plan A on clear weather: a heli-hike onto the Franz Josef Glacier. Plan B when the choppers are grounded: kayak the rainforest channels of Okarito Lagoon. Either way, finish with a private wood-fired soak at Waiho Hot Tubs in the village.
Stops
- Franz Josef Glacier Guides Heli-Hike~09:01sightHelicopter flight onto Franz Josef Glacier for a guided ice walk among seracs, crevasses, and blue caves.
- Okarito Lagoon~10:23walkNew Zealand's largest unmodified wetland — kayak rainforest channels beneath mirror views of the Southern Alps.
- Waiho Hot Tubs~11:46sightPrivate wood-fired hot tubs hidden in the rainforest at Franz Josef — each tub fits the whole van, refilled with fresh mountain water for every booking.
Tonight: Franz Josef
No place picked for this night yet.
In Franz Josef base plan
- Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park holiday-park
Two-night base in Franz Josef village for the glacier and the flex day. Powered sites; book both nights — the park sells out in season.