How long is the drive from Wanaka to Franz Josef?

Approximately 330 km and 4.5 hours. Allow a full day with stops. Times vary with weather and roadworks.

Is the road difficult?

Sealed throughout. Haast Pass is winding; West Coast is straightforward. Suitable for all vehicles.

Where can I get fuel?

Wanaka, Haast, Fox Glacier, and Franz Josef. Fill up at Haast before the long stretch north.

Is winter driving safe?

Haast Pass can be affected by snow. Check NZTA. Drive to conditions.

Main route is sealed. Gravel is common elsewhere; off-road not allowed.

Wanaka to Franz Josef Drive: Distance, Time & Best Stops

The drive from Wanaka to Franz Josef Glacier goes over the Haast Pass to the West Coast, then north to Franz Josef. It’s one of the longest and most scenic legs on the South Island. Here’s the distance, time, best stops, and tips.

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Quick facts

Distance

330 km (approx)

Driving time

4 hours 30 min (approx)

Best time to drive

Year-round. Haast Pass can be affected by snow in winter.

Road notes

Sealed. Via Haast Pass and the West Coast. Long drive; Haast Pass winding.

Times vary with stops, weather and roadworks.

Route map

Follow the route from Wanaka to Franz Josef. Stops are numbered on the map.

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Map data © Mapbox

Best stops along the way

Wanaka

Fuel and supplies.

Best for: Fuel

Haast

Fuel, visitor centre, and coast.

Best for: Fuel
Best for: Break

Fox Glacier

Village and glacier views. Optional stop before Franz.

Best for: Glacier
Best for: Fuel

Franz Josef

Franz Josef Glacier, walks, and village.

Best for: Glacier
Best for: Walks
Best for: Accommodation

Scenic highlights

• Haast Pass and Mount Aspiring National Park
• West Coast rainforest and coastline
• Franz Josef and Fox Glacier views

Driving tips

• Fuel at Wanaka, Haast, and Franz Josef. Long stretch between Haast and Fox.
• Allow a full day. Haast Pass can be slow in winter; check NZTA. Times vary with stops, weather and roadworks.

Where to stay / camp

Franz Josef and Fox Glacier have holiday parks and motels. DOC camps in the area. Check freedom camping rules.

Recommended vehicle

A compact car is easy to drive and park on this route and saves fuel. An SUV gives extra space and confidence on winding or higher-altitude sections. A campervan suits if you’re camping but is larger to manoeuvre. For a balance of size, fuel efficiency, and ease of parking, especially at popular stops, a compact 4WD like the Jimny works well: easy to park, fuel efficient, and capable on sealed and gravel public roads. Gravel roads are common in the South Island; drive to conditions. Off-road driving is not allowed on rental vehicles.

See our vehicles and camping setup. Compare options in our campervan vs rooftop tent guide.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the drive from Wanaka to Franz Josef?: Approximately 330 km and 4.5 hours. Allow a full day with stops. Times vary with weather and roadworks.
Is the road difficult?: Sealed throughout. Haast Pass is winding; West Coast is straightforward. Suitable for all vehicles.
Where can I get fuel?: Wanaka, Haast, Fox Glacier, and Franz Josef. Fill up at Haast before the long stretch north.
Is winter driving safe?: Haast Pass can be affected by snow. Check NZTA. Drive to conditions.
Any gravel sections?: Main route is sealed. Gravel is common elsewhere; off-road not allowed.

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