Overview
Nestled beneath a breathtaking glacier panorama, Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Park is the perfect base camp for exploring Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, the South Island's crown jewels.
There is no better way to wake up than to the sound of birds singing in this quiet, spacious, rural setting. You'll find a warm welcome, a bed for every budget, a social atmosphere, and up-to-date amenities close at hand.
Ensuite Unit, Powered Site, Tent sites, Deluxe Standard Cabins, Studio Units, Two bedroom Units, Cottage, House, Kitchen Cabins, Standard Cabins, Lodge Rooms.
Julius von Haast, geologist and explorer, named Franz Josef Glacier in 1863, after the Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Approximately 7000 years old, and a remnant of a much older and larger glacier which originally swept right to the sea, Franz Josef Glacier extends 12 kilometres from its three feeder glaciers in the high snow fields of the Alps. Today the terminal face is a mere 19 kilometres from the sea and just 5 kilometres from the township. The 1946 New Zealand Peace Stamp issue which commemorated the end of World War II, featured on its nine penny stamp the view of Franz Josef Glacier from the altar window of St James Anglican Church. This historic church was dedicated in 1931. By 1954 the glacier had retreated so that it was no longer visible from the church. The advance of the glacier brought it back into view in 1997. Maori Legend Early Maori called this place Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere - The Tears of the Avalanche Girl (Hinehukatere). Hinehukatere loved climbing in the mountains and persuaded her lover, Tawe, to climb with her. Tawe fell from the peaks to his death. Hinehukatere was broken hearted and her many, many tears froze to form the glacier.
Check in from: 2:00 pm
Check out by: 10:00 am
Getting There
We are located 1.4 kms North of the Franz Josef Glacier Township.
Parking Info
On site parking usually in front of your unit
