Latest fromFranz Josef
![Hot tubs and cool attractions at Rainforest Retreat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Hot tubs and cool attractions at Rainforest Retreat
Road-tripping on the West Coast? Make a pit stop at this affordable retreat.
!['Devastating news': Family grieve for father of two killed in plane crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
'Devastating news': Family grieve for father of two killed in plane crash
Tim Gibb died on a flight from Franz Josef to Rangiora and has been remembered onine
![Travel deals: Forest retreats, Great Barrier resorts and more](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Travel deals: Forest retreats, Great Barrier resorts and more
Escape to a beachside resort or forest retreat with this week's travel deals.
![Alpine Fault: The small town caught directly in the middle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Alpine Fault: The small town caught directly in the middle
Geotechnical reports have recommended moving the township.
![Special report: The tragic trend making ghosts of our glaciers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Special report: The tragic trend making ghosts of our glaciers
Our snowlines are rising at 'a screaming pace'. Just what does Aotearoa stand to lose?
![Gorse Busters: West Coast voluntourists sign up for sequel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Gorse Busters: West Coast voluntourists sign up for sequel
If there's something strange, growing in your bush...
![After 90 years, nine Youth Hostel Association properties go up for sale](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
After 90 years, nine Youth Hostel Association properties go up for sale
The hostels have 410 rooms and 1320 beds
![Wild weather: Small West Coast town cut off as heavy rain closes in](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Wild weather: Small West Coast town cut off as heavy rain closes in
Rain over the last 24 hours has made for Westport's wettest February day in 78 years.
![West Coast downpour: State of emergency declared - residents told to prepare](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
West Coast downpour: State of emergency declared - residents told to prepare
Franz Josef and Haast are isolated due to the State Highway being blocked on either side.
![Temperature boost expected as rain hits West Coast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Temperature boost expected as rain hits West Coast
Some rain was expected for Buller and Westland in the coming days but not as severe.
![First spring kiwi chick 'Hope' born as Alert Level lowers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
First spring kiwi chick 'Hope' born as Alert Level lowers
Hope was born at 8.20am, hours after the South Island lowered Covid Alert levels.
![Endangered bats seen for the first time in Franz Josef in decades](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Endangered bats seen for the first time in Franz Josef in decades
One of the country's most endangered mammals has been seen in Franz Josef.
![Free fuel vouchers: Promotion to lure visitors to West Coast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Free fuel vouchers: Promotion to lure visitors to West Coast
Trying to attract visitors to a beautiful part of the world.
![Where 'wellbeing meets adventure': a luxury West Coast retreat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Where 'wellbeing meets adventure': a luxury West Coast retreat
A man's perspective of a luxury wellness retreat in Franz Josef.
![What caused the Canterbury flood? Three questions answered](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
What caused the Canterbury flood? Three questions answered
We can't call it a 'one-in-100 year' event, but can say climate change likely contributed.
![Watch: 1km lost - incredible video shows famous NZ glacier's retreat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Watch: 1km lost - incredible video shows famous NZ glacier's retreat
Footage of the Franz Josef Glacier retreating has been released by authorities.
![Travel bubble reaction: Relief for South Island as winter looms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Travel bubble reaction: Relief for South Island as winter looms
'I think every plane will be full from Australia to Queenstown.'
![Tourism Minister to discuss support with struggling West Coast businesses](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Tourism Minister to discuss support with struggling West Coast businesses
The region has been starved of its main source of income - foreign tourists.
!['Community fabric at risk': Glacier region drowning, hundreds of jobs lost](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
'Community fabric at risk': Glacier region drowning, hundreds of jobs lost
16 per cent of businesses are no longer running at all and 73 per cent have reduced staff.
![Mechanic went 'crazy' moments before death, inquest hears](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Mechanic went 'crazy' moments before death, inquest hears
"He's ... got the bulldozer and is ripping the place up," witness told 111 operator.
![Heavy rain and strong winds to lash South Island](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=785)
Heavy rain and strong winds to lash South Island
Severe weather warning in place as front forecast to move from southwest this afternoon.