Named after Emperor Franz Josef I of Austria in 1865, the Franz Josef Glacier, also known as Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere descends from the Southern Alps about 19 km shy of the Tasman Sea at just 240 metres above sea level. It's low elevation means that some of the surrounding areas are covered in lush greenery. The glacier is currently 12km long though it has been undergoing cycles of advance and retreat. It is possible to visit the glacier on guided and unguided tours.

Payment Accepted:

Situated within the Westland National Park 5 km away from the Franz Josef Township

Last edited on Nov 29, 07 12:14 PM.
Contributors: Pokin Y. Show History

[Flag as duplicate]

[Edit Info]

WRITE REVIEW

First To Review:

Lynda M.

Katy W.

Dec 29, 2008

Situated in Westland National Park. The glacier is spectacularly beautiful. There's plenty of trips to choose from depending on how much time/money/level of fitness you have. Can even take a helicopter flight over it if you can't be bothered to walk!! Definitely a highlight of my New Zealand trip and one I would recommend.

Comment

Was this helpful?

(0)

797

540

Susanna K.

May 24, 2010

You have to do a glacier hike on that glacier - it's so much fun. The ice is so dense that it looks blue... I did a one day hike and was lucky with sunshine and all stuff. You get all the equipment from the company. It was definitely fun to crawl through worm wholes and squeeze to extremely tight ice fissures. Great!

Comment

Was this helpful?

(0)

Glen G.

Oct 29, 2010

Certainly not to walk on a glacier before. I think I have always been a fan of snow, skiing, etc. And I always like to try unusual things in unusual places.Franz Josef Glacier New Zealand is most beautiful place on the earth.
http://www.travelaustralia360.com/franz-josef-glacier.html

Comment

Was this helpful?

(0)