What Are the Best Places to Stop Between Queenstown and Franz Josef?

By Alice Nichols

Queenstown and Franz Josef are two of New Zealand’s most beautiful locations, each with its own unique attractions and experiences. With the distance between them being just over 300 km, it’s a great opportunity to take a road trip along the stunning South Island coastline. There are some incredible sights to see along the way, making it difficult to decide where to stop. Here is a list of the best places to stop between Queenstown and Franz Josef.

Lake Matheson

One of the most iconic stops on this route is Lake Matheson. Famous for its mirror-like reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, it is an absolute must-see for any traveller in this area.

Visitors can take a short walk around the lake and admire its beauty from different angles, as well as visit the nearby café for some refreshments.

Fox Glacier

The Fox Glacier is one of New Zealand’s longest glaciers and offers spectacular views from close up or afar. It’s possible to take guided walks onto the glacier itself or simply admire it from one of the lookouts nearby. The region also has some great cafes and restaurants that visitors can enjoy while here.

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

The Punakaiki Pancake Rocks are part of Paparoa National Park and are an iconic sight on the West Coast. The eroded limestone formations have been formed over millions of years and provide some truly unique photographic opportunities.

Okarito Lagoon

Another highlight when travelling this route is Okarito Lagoon, which is one of New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland areas. Visitors can explore various walking trails through it or take a boat tour out onto the lagoon itself for some incredible wildlife spotting opportunities.

With so many amazing places to visit between Queenstown and Franz Josef, there’s something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for stunning nature views or want to go on an adventure into the wilderness, this drive has plenty to offer!

Conclusion: What Are the Best Places to Stop Between Queenstown and Franz Josef?

When travelling between Queenstown and Franz Josef, there are plenty of incredible sights to see along the way!

The best places to stop include Lake Matheson, Fox Glacier, Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Okarito Lagoon – all offering something special that should not be missed!