

One businessman says tourists have not been making the journey south from Hokitika to visit Franz Josef Glacier. PHOTO: LAURA SMITH
One businessman says tourists have not been making the journey south from Hokitika to visit Franz Josef Glacier. PHOTO: LAURA SMITH


While days of cloudy skies had kept tourists from visiting the Franz Josef Glacier, Monday morning offered a brief window for helicopter trips. PHOTO: LAURA SMITH
While days of cloudy skies had kept tourists from visiting the Franz Josef Glacier, Monday morning offered a brief window for helicopter trips. PHOTO: LAURA SMITH


Franz Josef businessmen (from left) Logan Skinner, Adam Haugh, Billy Whiteman, Chris Roy and Ian Hartshorne are concerned about the town’s almost total loss of tourism. PHOTOS: HELEN MURDOCH
Franz Josef businessmen (from left) Logan Skinner, Adam Haugh, Billy Whiteman, Chris Roy and Ian Hartshorne are concerned about the town’s almost total loss of tourism. PHOTOS: HELEN MURDOCH


Empty roads on the West Coast
Empty roads on the West Coast


Business owners Jamie Caldwell and Gig Raksamart say any government support should be as much about sustaining the community as industry.
Business owners Jamie Caldwell and Gig Raksamart say any government support should be as much about sustaining the community as industry.
Glacier towns struggling
The loss of international tourism is pushing the West Coast’s twin glacier towns to the brink. Empty cafe tables, a slew of motel vacancy signs, a...
