Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Hikes
Written by Viator, August 2010
RECOMMENDATION Keywords:
Tip - What to See & Do,
Walking/Hiking,
Glacier
Located in New Zealand's Westland National Park and Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area, the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are two of the world's most magnificent and accessible glaciers. Echoes of the ice age prevail against the spectacular backdrop of the Southern Alps, as Franz Josef and Fox Glacier cascade dramatically from the mountains to the rainforest valley floor on the wild West Coast.
This combination of ice and temperate rainforest is an ecosystem unique to New Zealand, where local expert guides will take you on the trek of a lifetime, venturing high up into the mountain heart of these majestic flows.
Take a river walk across historic swing bridge for stunning views of the Fox Glacier, or the Mount Fox Track for a breathtaking climb through alpine herb fields of edelweiss, buttercup, hebe, grasses and other plants to the peak of Mt. Fox. The Fox Glacier Valley Walk takes you past glacial moraines, the piles of rock and dead ice scoured from the mountains as the glacier moved down the valley, some left behind after the last glacial retreat in the 1960’s. You have an impressive view of the terminal face with the Cook River surging from beneath the wall of ice.
The easiest way to see the most spectacular part of the glacier is to take part in a heli-hike landing on the ice high up in the glacier to see the spectacular ice formations and enjoy panoramic views.
Take a bush walk through the rainforest into the glacier valley on the glacier adventure, hiking into the most spectacular terrain of natural ice caves, pinnacles and waterfalls, usually seen only by experienced mountaineers. Alternatively, opt for a walk to the terminal face to see formations gouged out by moving ice over thousands of years, in a relaxing, interpretive valley walk. Venture beyond the public barriers and right up to the dramatic terminal face of this advancing glacier.
Adventurous spirits will adore the invigorating sport of ice climbing, with expert tuition and all technical equipment. Learn to safely climb on the soaring ice walls in seven hours of exhilarating adventure, while enjoying the dramatic scenery and magnificent terrain of the Franz Josef Glacier.
Latest Replies
Reply by Viator, May 2013
Doing what: Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk
We had a fun time at Franz Josef ,The valley walk was educational and interesting the whole thing took more or less 3-4 hours. Our guide was friendly and we were able to get closer to the glacier. We were able to hold the glacier and take pictures on it.
Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk
We enjoyed the experience a great deal. Our guide made our trip to the glazier one to remember.
Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk
Our tour guide was fantastic! Good for all ages, and fabulous local knowledge! I would recommend this tour!
Find Recommendations by Type
Do you have photos of this recommendation? Be the first to share your photos with other travelers!
