58 On Cron Motel

Heading North from Franz Josef

takes you through a wealth of scenic and geological experiences you will pass through several small townships all having significant historical and geological features and providing various levels of hospitality to travellers. There are several coastal and scenic bush walks en route and for those keen on sea, river or lake fishing plenty of opportunities to get the rod out. Those keen on a relaxing swim can also find the ideal spot

Whataroa -
approximately 20 - 30 minutes from Franz Josef is a proud rural farming community and home to the exquisite graceful White Heron. For those that play Golf Whataroa is home to our only Golf course

Hari Hari -
approximately 40 - 50 minutes from Franz a good spot to relax after the trek over Mount Hercules or to contemplate the trek south over Mount Hercules Hari Hari again being a rural farming community renowned for its hunting and fishing and breath taking coastal walk. The township steeped in the history of the early pioneers offering short and long department of conservation walking tracks to vantage points for panoramic views of the glacial coastal valley.

Lake Ianthe -
Lake Ianthe is a sanctuary to an array of New Zealand Birds, a great spot for a cool dip on a hot westcoast day or to take the flask out and have a picnic tea enjoy the reflective images mirrored upon the lake. or drop the line in to catch a brown trout for tea.

Pukekura -
offers that hunting and fishing experience or the opportunity to dine on gastronomic wild food delights an insight into the world of the west coast Bushmans paradise is obtained while stopping to indulge in a well deserved coffee, tea or chilled drink. Ensure you get a photo of the sandfly sculpture that proudly hangs outside the Bushmans centre.

Ross -
Gold mining town Ross township offers the opportunity to learn the art of gold panning and much much more it is rumoured the town sits on top of a sought after gold stream. evidence of the towns gold mining history is abundant and several well prepared walking tracks are available. Ross is also renowned for its annual Themed Fireworks Display attracting people coast wide.

Hokitika -
1.5 hours from Franz Josef Jade country and home to the Wild Food Festival, Drift Wood Art competition Hokitika offers the chance to purchase world class carved Jade stone and to watch stone being carved or design your own piece of jewellery. Hokitika has many walking tracks and durring the whitebait season the whitbaiters populate the river mouth to catch the delicacy of the Westcoast.

Hokitika is also the start of the renowned coast to coast race recognised as a world class challenge to sportsmen and women alike held annually. Hokitika is the gateway to the glacial region.