KiwiGlimpseOverview
Franz Josef is a small town located on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. The town is situated near the Franz Josef Glacier, which is one of the main tourist attractions in the area. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
| Franz Josef Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Franz Josef |
| Region | West Coast |
| District Council | Westland District |
| Sub-District | Westland District |
| Postal Code: | - |
| Current Time: | 07:24 AM |
| Date: | Monday, May 19, 2025(NZST) |
| Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
| Elevation / Altitude | 51.87 meters. Above Seal level |
| Latitude | -43.4000 |
| Longitude | 170.1800 |
| DMS Lat | -44° 36' 0'' |
| DMS Long | 170° 10' 48'' |
History
The history of Franz Josef dates back to the early 1900s, when the area was primarily used for farming and mining. The Franz Josef Glacier was discovered by a surveyor in 1865 and has been a major tourist attraction since the early 1900s. Over the years, the town has grown and developed into a popular tourist destination, with a variety of accommodations, restaurants and activities for visitors.
Geography
Franz Josef is located on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. The town is situated near the Franz Josef Glacier, which is part of the Southern Alps mountain range. The area is known for its stunning natural beauty, with snow-capped mountains, lush rainforests and beautiful rivers and lakes.
Franz Josef is located at latitude -43.40 and longitude 170.18 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -44° 36' 0'' and longitude 170° 10' 48'' (DMS).
Below is map of Franz Josef
Demographics
The population of Franz Josef is approximately 500 people. The town has a small, tight-knit community, with residents who are primarily involved in the tourism industry. The economy of Franz Josef is driven by tourism, with many businesses catering to visitors to the area.
Climate
Franz Josef has a temperate oceanic climate, with mild temperatures throughout the year. The area receives significant rainfall, particularly during the winter months. The weather in Franz Josef can be unpredictable and visitors are advised to come prepared for all types of weather.
Franz Josef Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Franz Josef Live Weather
Broken clouds
Humidity: 74%
Wind: 4.67 mt/sec towards SW
observed on 18 May 2025 21:00
Franz Josef Weather Forecast for Next 5 days
12.87°C to 13.27°C
Broken clouds
14.16°C to 14.9°C
Scattered clouds
12.63°C to 12.63°C
Clear sky
14.21°C to 14.21°C
Clear sky
14.74°C to 14.74°C
Clear sky
15.26°C to 15.26°C
Light rain
Landmarks and Tourist Attractions
The main tourist attraction in Franz Josef is the Franz Josef Glacier. Visitors can take guided tours of the glacier, go hiking or ice climbing or take scenic helicopter flights over the glacier. The town is also located near the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, which is home to a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking and kayaking.
Economy
The economy of Franz Josef is primarily driven by tourism. The town is home to a variety of businesses that cater to visitors, such as hotels, restaurants and tour companies. The Franz Josef Glacier is a major tourist attraction and brings in thousands of visitors to the area each year.
Nearby Schools
| Sr. No. | School Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Aoraki Mount Cook School |
| 2 | Fox Glacier School |
| 3 | Franz Josef Glacier School |
| 4 | Lake Tekapo Kindergarten |
| 5 | Lake Tekapo School |