New Regent Street

New Regent Street is a charming, pedestrian-friendly lane in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village, lined with colourful heritage-style buildings that house a delightful mix of cafés, restaurants, and boutiques. It's the perfect spot to refuel after a day on the ice or to soak up the relaxed alpine atmosphere.

Highlights & What to See

• Heritage architecture: Admire the beautifully restored wooden shopfronts that evoke the area's early tourism history.
• Café culture: Grab a flat white and a slice of homemade cake at one of the local cafés – the perfect post-hike treat.
• Local art and crafts: Browse galleries and studios featuring works by West Coast artists, from pounamu (greenstone) jewellery to landscape prints.
• Dining options: Enjoy everything from wood-fired pizzas to fresh seafood at the street's restaurants, many with outdoor seating.
• Helicopter and glacier tour bookings: Several operators have offices here, making it easy to arrange a scenic flight or guided walk on the glacier.

Suggested Time to Spend

An hour or two is plenty to explore the street at a leisurely pace – enough time for a coffee, a browse of the shops, and perhaps a meal. It's easily combined with a morning or afternoon glacier activity, so plan to visit before or after your glacier tour.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Franz Josef Glacier: The main reason most visitors come – take a guided walk or helicopter tour onto the ice.
• Lake Matheson: A short drive away, this mirror-like lake offers stunning reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps.
• Fox Glacier: About 25 minutes south, another impressive glacier with its own set of walks and scenic flights.
• Okarito Lagoon: A peaceful coastal wetland where you can kayak, birdwatch, or take a boat tour to see white herons.
• Whataroa: The gateway to the Ōkārito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you can spot the rare rowi kiwi in the wild.

Please check official sources for current details.