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If you are travelling with a child during late May - early September, they unfortunately are not able to participate in our first morning departures as the ice conditions carry a higher level of risk during the season. About. Equipped with glacier boots and crampons youll walk for two hours amongst the ice formations and pinnacles and see first-hand the extraordinary colours of the ice-flow. Our visit was in mid-April and we spent two days here. Glacier Heli Hike. Waterfalls in Franz Josef Glacier Valley 5. I need to remind myself every now and then how lucky I am to be here., Franz Josef Glacier Guides offers guided, small-group heli-hikes year-round, with all gear provided. Fox Glacier South Side Walk | Things to do in Franz Josef, The view of Fox Glacier from the South Side Walk. The Franz Josef Glacier Walk is a flat and easy track to follow. Including guided walks. I do mention the rainforest and the glowworms (you can see them in the Tartare Tunnels hike). On a heli-hiking tour, you are flown into the mountains and are led on a multi-hour hiking tour with an experienced guide. A gentle walk leads to views of the mountains reflected on the still waters of Lake Matheson. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. The Franz Josef Glacier walk is the best way to view the Franz Josef Glacier without paying for a tour. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Guided Glacier Trips Fox Glacier Tours Franz Josef Heli Hikes - GC Peters Pool is a very scenic tree lined lake with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Were Cat & Joe, two Brits, now living in Australia, with a passion for the outdoors and adventure travel. Revel in an exciting combo of a thrilling helicopter ride and a hike across the majestic wonder of the Franz Josef Glacier. Thats where the glacier used to terminate. Below the line is stubbled with young vegetation creeping its way down into the empty bowl left behind by the retreating ice. The views from the top of Alex Knob are nothing short of extraordinary. Phil points down the valley to a clearly visible horizontal line cutting across the lower mountains. The Franz Josef Glacier (Mori: K Roimata o Hine Hukatere; officially Franz Josef Glacier / K Roimata o Hine Hukatere) is a 12-kilometre-long (7.5 mi) temperate maritime glacier in Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island.Together with the Fox Glacier 20 kilometres (12 mi) to the south, and a third glacier, it descends from the Southern Alps to . Franz Josef Glacier Guides and The Helicopter Line are proud to share with you the very best of New Zealand's glaciers. Soar in the air in a helicopter, trek with glacier boots and crampons, and take in the fascinating colors of the ice flow. One of the easiest and cheapest ways to get a great view of the Fox Glacier is from the Fox Glacier Lookout. New Zealands Southern Alps ripple 400 miles down the western flank of the South Island and has around 3,000 glaciers stuffed into its many folds. The walkway/cycleway follows the south bank of the Fox River through ancient podocarp rainforest. The best time to visit Glacier Country is during the summer months (January, February, and March) when the weather is the warmest and driest. Located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park in the West Coast region. The path is gravel all the way and flat at first before heading ever so gently uphill to the viewpoint. Franz Josef Glacier Guides offers guided, small-group heli-hikes year-round, with all gear provided. An interesting viewpoint with a sad story 4. HIKES IN NEW ZEALAND: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is often labeled as the best day hike in the world. Ice collapse and rock fall can occur at any time at the terminal face of the glacier, and for this reason do not proceed beyond the rope barrier. A short uphill section leads you to a view of the valley, with the Waiho River winding its way towards the coast. franzjosefglacier.com The walk to the glacier is an easy hike and is around 4 km (2.5 mi) return. To give them the best chance of participation, we recommend all parties travelling with children book our trips from 11AM onwards. We cannot anticipate or eliminate all risks so take a balanced and conservative approach to safety management. Duration: 5 hours. Sign up to our mailing list to get our free mini guide! We did not do a dart boat trip here (they werent being offered during our visitthe area is still recovering from the pandemic) but we have done it in other places. Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk (1h30min Return) Walk through a breathtaking glacial valley to a viewpoint before the Franz Josef terminal face. Glacier hiking in New Zealand | 100% Pure New Zealand Most of the walking tracks are accessed from the car-park at the end of this 4km road. Heli-hiking on the Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand's epic frozen frontier Hello David. Sentinel Rock Viewpoint | Things to do in Franz Josef. Signaler ce contenu Voir la page de la citation. All Rights Reserved. There are so many great walks in Franz Josef, its hard to decide which are the best. Click one of our locations to see the highlights Queenstown is at the centre of our alpine playground. Theres never a dull moment and it ended up being one of our favourite hikes on the South Island. Flight highlights can include: - Fiordland National Park and the Majestic Milford Sound, - New Zealand's highest peak, Mount Cook. The Maori name for the Franz Josef Glacier is K Roimata-a-Hinehukatere, which means the tears of Hinehukatere. Lush trees surrender to moraine and then the fissured surface of Franz Josef Glacier, which, from the air, looks like a tsunami frozen in time. Your email address will not be published. Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are two very small towns in Glacier Country. Before 2012, it was possible to hike directly out of town and on to the ice, but now safely hiking on the glacier is only possible by helicopter. We detail the distance to each in this post. The lagoon is home to more than 76 species of native birds including the ktuku/white heron and royal spoonbills. Pay attention to all signage and do not go past the barriers as areas of the valley are hazardous and are not safe for visitors. Options range from 20-minute flights where you get just a quick view of the glaciers to longer flights that include one or two glacier landings. We recommend booking your flights early in your trip with flexibility for weather changes. To give them the best chance of participation, we recommend all parties travelling with children book our trips from 11AM onwards. We take a fresh look. Franz Josef Glacier Guides. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. Walking on a glacier is a once in a lifetime experience and Glacier Country is world-famous for its glacier hikes. Franz Josef - Is it worth going? - New Zealand Forum We have a full run down on the track in our Roberts Point Trail guide. Glacier Country is the name given to the area on the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is important to know that you are still fairly far away from the Franz Josef Glacier, but it is still a picturesque view. It took me 1.15 hours to walk including photo stops. He fell to his death, breaking Hinehukateres heart. This trail takes you to two viewpoints, Rata Viewpoint and Christmas Viewpoint, both of which offer views of the Franz Josef Glacier. We walked every trail in Franz Josef to bring you this list from first hand experience. That only makes it more special as youll likely get it all to yourself! Here are some of the best tours of Glacier Country. The French term roche moutonnee, meaning rock - sheep is used to describe these distinctive rounded rocks which were shaped by glaciers. It can be a little dicey in wet weather though, so if possible its best saved for a dry day. The view from Okarito Trig is sensational. Not many kids are lucky enough to have a glacier and a rainforest in their backyards but for school kids in Franz Josef, it's part of their daily life. The Alex Knob Track takes approximately eight hours return and climbs steadily through a variety of vegetation types with views of Franz Josef Glacier, the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. Located in Franz Josef Glacier/K Roimata o Hine Hukatere and Westland Tai Poutini National Park in the West Coast region. But if you like the idea of visiting a more remote area of New Zealand, with dramatic coastal scenery and some of the best walks through rainforests that we have experienced in New Zealand, add Franz Josef onto your itinerary. Children wishing to join our Heli Hikes need to be at least 10 years old, weigh at least 35kg and be at least 137cm tall. The glacier is five kilometres from the town of the same name, and a 1.5 hour walk will take you to within 750m of its terminal face. 1: Roberts Point2: Callery Gorge3: Tatare Tunnels4: Lake Matheson5: Alex Knob6: Franz Josef Glacier Walk7: Okarito Trig8: Peters Pool9: The Terrace Walk10: Lake Gault11: Sentinel Rock Walk12: Galway Beach, Distance: 11.8kmElevation gain: 670mDifficulty: Hard. After two hours of climbing up and down folds of ice, I realise Phil has led us in a big loop back to where we started. Lastly we had a phenomenal meal of lamb chops, smoked salmon and an apple crisp with wine for $38 all in. Trail sign for the South Side Walk and Moraine Walk. Although glow worms are scattered along much of the track, if you dont want to walk far, the best spot was 160m into the walk on the right-hand side. This 3-hour kayak tour includes your transportation from Franz Josef. The Roberts Point Track is the most adventurous walk on this list, but the reward is more than worth the effort. Alors qu'on avait, au dbut, refus de reconnatre une utilit pratique la hache du fait de la ductilit du mtal, des essais d'archologie exprimentale ont montr qu'elle tait . The Sentinel Rock Walk offers the best view of the glacier that doesnt really require any effort to reach! At Aoraki/Mount Cook, there are several beautiful walks to do, especially the Hooker Valley Track, and on a clear day you get one of the best views of Mt. The mountains look incredible and if you look hard enough you can even see the tiny little Roberts Point swing bridge! Daily glacier access updateon Glacier Country website. We decided to check out theOratia Twin Streams walkand cycleway to see if we could include it as part of a fun circular walk. Les glaciers et les banquises | Alloprof They have an immaculate safety record, rigid assessments and using quality equipment, your safety and enjoyment is taken care of. Flight times are approximate and include your landing. Glow worms illuminate the overhangs and gnarled tree trunks giving the whole trail a fairytale like quality. The track continues beyond Peters Pool and connects to the Roberts Point Track and the Alex Knob Trail. Leggings or light trousers, although shorts are acceptable. Get the best deals on a huge selection of awesome tours all around New Zealand. The price includes landing and concession fees as our flights land in conservation areas and special locations. Why climate activists target art, How anti-Semitism fueled the rise of legacy admissions, Oppenheimer: How Christopher Nolan re-created history. Despite how lovely it is, we never saw anyone else there and it was a serene place to sit and stare up at the mountains. The walk to get there is through pristine forest and relatively flat and easy until you reach a short rocky path at the end - and that section isnt hard, just no longer a smooth track. The Waiho Valley is a dynamic and potentially hazardous environment, and river levels and water channels can change rapidly, particularly during and after heavy rain. (Weight limit is 115kg). This is where your profile lives, as well as your saved items such as 'places that you want to go'. In 1865, Sentinel Rock had just emerged from beneath the retreating Franz Josef Glacier/K Roimata o Hine Hukatere ice when the valley was first visited by Sir Julius Von Haast. The best walks & hiking tracks in Franz Josef Glacier The easiest way to reach Peters Pool is from the trailhead located at the Franz Josef Glacier Car Park at the very end of Franz Joseph Glacier Road (as labeled on Google Maps). Take a short walk through the rainforest to view the Franz Josef Glacier valley. Something in our galaxy is flashing every 20 minutesbut what? Julie Last updated: July 23, 2023 New Zealand 2 Comments. Not only do you have a panorama of the snow-capped Southern Alps (including Aoraki Mount Cook and Franz Josef Glacier) you will also see three gorgeous beaches and the glistening lagoon. Some even prefer a heli hike on the Franz Josef glacier and the Fox glaciers. 2023 - Walk My World. No experience necessary. A National Geographic team sought to find evidence of their fatebut the Arctic doesnt give up its secrets easily. In April, rain chances increase and continue to rise all the way until October, the wettest month of the year in this part of New Zealand. Each night we had dinner at the hotel restaurant which was fantastic. We team up with Franz Josef Glacier Guides who have been taking visitors over this epic icefall terrain since 1990 and can trace their heritage back 100 years. The 12 best Franz Josef Walks and yes we did them all - Walk My World View of Views | Things to do in Franz Josef. January 30, 2023 by Jamshed V Rajan 4.8 ( 155) Franz Josef and Fox glaciers in New Zealand are the most beautiful and approachable glaciers in the world. West coast of the South Island between Franz Josef and Pancake Rocks. This 1.5 - 2 hour return walk will take you as close as you . From this property, you get views of Mount Cook and the Southern Alps. Pakihi Walk climbs through kamahi and rimu forest to a platform lookout. Fox and Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand - Glacier Country A first-hand exploration of a glacier by chopper, seeing only what experienced mountaineers can reach is a wilderness experience youll never forget. There are a fews ups and downs, but also plenty of flat track and its a great easy walk which is perfect for catching sunrise or sunset over the lake. Striated walls of ice squeeze us and then disappear entirely to reveal vertiginous drops and glorious views across the glacier. See the full list of walks a bit further down this page. Warm upper-body clothing (preferably 3-4 layers). Waiting for me at the top is senior mountaineering guide Phil Crossland, whos been leading wide-eyed visitors across the crevasses since 2017. The Lake Matheson circuit is a must do. Hi! Its also a great activity if you are traveling with older kids or teenagers (most kids 10 and older can go heli-hiking but this depends on the company). By using the website, you accept full personal responsibility for any harm or damage you suffer as a result of your actions arising out of or in connection with the use of the website or its content. We did not go glacier hiking in Franz Josef but have done it in multiple places around the world and it is a lot of fun. Visit the Department of Conservation, Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre in Franz Josef Glacier village for weather conditions, detailed hiking guides and personal locator beacons, or to learn more about the area. A visit to Gillespies Beach offers a scenic drive, lovely views of the Southern Alps K Tiritiri o te Moana, an historic cemetery and coastal walks. Book Now. We offer a range of glacier hiking trips and experiences that will allow you to see ice formations firsthand. The best way to get to Glacier Country is by car. The track and access road can be closed due to flooding, rockfall or landslides check the latest track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland/Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre before starting your trip. The west coast of the South Island is one of the wettest areas of New Zealand. Franz Josef Glacier ( K Roimata o Hine Hukatere) was explored by local iwi and in 1865 by geologist Julius von Haast, who named it after the Austrian emperor. Discover More Book Now. Children are not allowed past 5:30 pm. Franz Josef Glacier Guides | Activity in West Coast, New Zealand That aside, its a fabulous short track which branches off the Franz Josef Glacier Walk. | Website by Plato Creative. Why do they keep dying? Really nice track with view on the Franz Josef glacier, the closest you can get on foot. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Get prices, hours, and more information on the official website. This track is for experienced and well-equipped trampers only. Allow approximately 4-hours duration for the whole experience. Many of them start at the big car park, a 5-minute drive (or 30-min walk) from town. In fall, the average high temperature is 15C (60F) and in winter, the average high is 13C (55F). We hiked every single trail in Franz Josef to bring you the full low down on what the walks are like from firsthand experience. The driest time to visit Glacier Country and the west coast is the summer (January through March). Glacier visits have had to change because the landscape is on the move every day as the glacier retreats. Two newly spotted objects in space are emitting regular pulses of radio wavesunlike anything astronomers have seen before. Its a good idea to always carry repellant with you to ward off the sandflies. Explore the most popular trails in my list Franz Josef Glacier with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. The walk to the viewing area winds gently through the rainforest, with glimpses of the mountain tops, waterfalls and the upper glacier. Our friendly and experienced guides will share their knowledge of the glacier region, leaving you with a whole new appreciation forK Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier). This easy, mostly flat walking trail forms a loop around Lake Matheson. In this guide we cover the best things to do in Glacier Country and Franz Josef, with tips to help you have the best experience in this extraordinary place. Looking out of the window, I can see our shadow shrink until were just a black fly speeding across farmlands, riverbeds and rainforests. Minimum passenger numbers apply for flights. There are so many great walks in Franz Josef, it's hard to decide which are the best. If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. The Rainforest Motel is a great pick for families, with studio style rooms and two-bedroom apartments. Helicopter up to the stunning Franz Josef glacier. From this car park it is a short hike along an easy to follow, well maintained track through the rainforest. From what we learned, this does not occur all year. Lake Mapourika is famous for its reflections and stunning views and is a top spot for boating, fishing, kayaking, camping and swimming. iPads or selfie sticks are not allowed on board for safety. ULTIMATE Guide to the Franz Josef Glacier Walk - Destinationless Travel 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. Drive, walk or cycle south from the Franz Josef Waiau township across the Waiho River bridge and turn left onto the Glacier Access Road or Te Ara a Waiau Walkway/Cycleway. When conditions are considered unsafe a sign will be placed across the track indicating the limit of safe access. Take a short walk through the rainforest to view the Franz Josef Glacier valley. Distance: 4.8km returnElevation gain: 200mDifficulty: Easy. An exhilarating helicopter ride, jaw-dropping scenery and a two and half hour glacier hike. Whilst its a shame that the walk is now a lot shorter, it still offers a wonderful view of the valley and distant look at the glacier. Franz Josef Glacier: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Westland Tai Poutini National Park, renowned for its Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and the beautiful walks from 5 minutes to 8 hours that you can do in this area to view these amazing ice features, native forest, wildlife and waterfalls. Read all of our articles about New Zealand in our New Zealand Travel Guide. To view the massive snowfields of the upper neve you need to take a flight in a helicopter or ski plane. North of the Franz Josef Township sits the coastal settlement of krito and the krito Lagoon. What is natural wine, and which ones should you be drinking? Bookings will be coordinated to achieve this where possible. Roberts Point Track: epic swing bridges and a majestic view of Franz Josef Glacier, Lake Matheson: how to ensure you get that stunning reflection, Alex Knob Track: one of the best views of Franz Josef Glacier, Galway Beach Track: a hidden gem near Fox Glacier, Callery Gorge: an easy walk to a stunning electric blue water gorge, Tatare Tunnels Walk: exploring Franz Josef's very own glow worm tunnel, Minnehaha Walk, Fox Glacier: beautiful by day, magical at night, The Kindness of Strangers: 10 travel moments that restored my faith in humanity, What it's like to give it all up to travel in your 30's. Booking online does not charge your credit card. This is due to safety ratings with our harnesses. Here is the view. It is for experienced hikers only, since it features a big climb and is a rather strenuous hike. Even if you think you know what you are doing, you may lead other curious visitors into dangerous areas. The track, which cuts through a glacier carved valley, has a few highlights, including three side by side waterfalls, the Franz Josef Glacier viewpoint and the elevated view from Sentinel Rock. How to Take Better Photos while Traveling. Distance: 4km returnElevation gain: 200m Difficulty: Easy. Peters Pools is a truly beautiful kettle lake which offers a magnificent mountain reflection on a windless day. Youll also need to bring a flashlight, as the tunnels can be very dark. This helps towards the costs of running our website. The views of the snow-capped mountains and the glaciers are breathtaking. This tough hike is the longest on this list. People have died or been seriously injured after ignoring signs and going over the barriers you are taking a serious personal risk to get closer to the glacier. Franz Josef Glacier - Wikipedia In our opinion, your time is better spent walking around Lake Matheson or on the Franz Josef Glacier Trail, rather than doing the Fox Glacier South Side Walk. All rights reserved, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. It is a 3.6 km return hike that takes about an hour and 20 minutes. The History of Franz Josef Glacier. We took the Ultimate Discovery flight with Glacier Country Helicopters, which is a 45-minute flight over the Franz Josef, Fox, and Tasman Glaciers plus a snow landing. The kiwis are more active in the morning and at 10 am, we had no problems spotting the two kiwis in the wildlife centre. The Terrace Walk is nice enough in the day - taking you through a pretty patch of forest - but its at night when it truly comes alive! And those who love the idea of hiking through tunnels rave about this hike. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, how about sky diving in view of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers? From there the track continues to climb on to Roberts Point where the glacier views are spectacular. But there is no need to follow the track beyond Peters Pool unless you plan to do one or both of those hikes. For this area, check the weather forecast for Franz Josef. Heli Hike in Franz Josef Glacier The pinnacle experience of Aotearoa Bestseller English Join in group Meet with guide 3hr Duration 4.6 ( 159 reviews ) 2K+ booked Franz Josef Glacier Guides Wishlist Gallery S$ 504.39 Select options Best Price Guarantee All promotions This short, easy forest walk passes by a reflective lake and crosses over glacial landforms its suitable for children. Franz Josef Glacier Guides gives you the opportunity to experience the most spectacular glacier environment available to the general public. Also there was glow worms which you dont see very often in this environment.