Can you walk on the Franz Josef Glacier?
Franz Josef Glacier walk is an easy 1.5 hour round trip walk to the base of Franz Josef Glacier from the car park. Walk past a waterfall along the wide river stone track, suitable for children. You can’t get that close to the glacier face anymore because it’s receded too far.
What town is Franz Josef Glacier in?
Te Tai o Poutini
Franz Josef Glacier is located in the beautiful Te Tai o Poutini (West Coast), a scenic 5 hour drive from Queenstown or 2.5 hours from Greymouth.
Is the Franz Josef glacier melting?
But over the past 20 years, the trend has been one of decline. Any visitor returning to Franz Josef glacier this year, after 10 years, would notice a stark distance. Since 2008, it has been retreating rapidly and lost a massive 1.56km in length, at the fastest rate ever recorded.
What is the largest glacier in New Zealand?
Tasman Glacier
Lying long and deep in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is the incredible Tasman Glacier, a terminal ice structure that is the biggest of its kind in New Zealand. This magnificent glacier is the largest of several in the region that flows towards the Mackenzie Basin from the Southern Alps.
How to get to the Franz Josef Glacier?
The Franz Josef Glacier offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience a dynamic glacial environment, in a temperate environment, while being within easy driving and walking distance from the main highway. From Franz Josef township drive south over the Waiho River bridge.
Which is the best Glacier to visit in New Zealand?
A guided heli-hike glacier experience you will never forget! Franz Josef Glacier Guides and The Helicopter Line are proud to show you the very best of New Zealand’s West Coast glaciers. Thanks to our detailed knowledge of the glacier region, you’ll come away with a whole new appreciation for Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier).
Where does the Heli hike start in Franz Josef?
Your journey starts at our glacier base in Franz Josef Village where our friendly team will check you in, get you kitted out with the essential gear and give you a pre-trip briefing. From here, your guide will lead you a on a short walk through native forest to the heli pad and get you ready to board your helicopter.
What was the name of the glacier that formed Sentinel Rock?
The French term “roche moutonnee”, meaning ‘rock – sheep’ is used to describe these distinctive rounded rocks which were shaped by glaciers. In 1865, Sentinel Rock had just emerged from beneath the retreating Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere ice when the valley was first visited by Sir Julius Von Haast.
