Franz Josef to get new tourist venture

The popular Westland tourist town of Franz Josef looks set to get a multi-million dollar new tourist venture.

Ngai Tahu Tourism plans to build a complex with four public swimming pools and several private hot pools set in native bush.

General manager John Thorburn says Franz Josef is the ideal location for the development and he hopes construction will begin next year.

Within the past month another tourist venture was launched in the township - the country's largest ice climbing-wall.

- NEWSTALK ZB