| Franz Josef | |
|---|---|
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Franz Josef
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | West Coast |
| District | Westland District |
| Population (2006) | |
| • Total | 330 |
Franz Josef is a small town in the West Coast region of the South Island of New Zealand. Whataroa is 32 km to the north-east, and the township of Fox Glacier is 23 km to the south-west. State Highway 6 runs through the town. The Waiho River runs from the Franz Josef Glacier to the south, through the town, and into the Tasman Sea to the north-west.[1][2]
The population was 330 in the 2006 Census, an increase of 9 from 2001.[3]
The town is named after the Franz Josef Glacier - itself named by Julius von Haast in honour of the Emperor of Austria Franz Josef I of Austria. The glacier's terminal face is 5 km from the town and its accessibility makes it a major tourist attraction and the reason many people visit Franz Josef. The town is located within the Westland Tai Poutini National Park.
Franz Josef Glacier School is a coeducational full primary (years 1-8) school with a decile rating of 9 and a roll of 19.[4]