New Zealand > West Coast > Franz Josef/Fox Glacier
Franz Josef/Fox Glacier
Franz Josef/Fox Glacier Accommodation |
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| B and B |
Te Weheka Inn
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Franz Josef glacier Country Retreat
| Te Waonui Forest Retreat
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| Lodge |
Westwood Lodge
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While glaciers around the world are retreating, the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers still flow almost to sea level. The temperate climate at this low altitude means these glaciers are among the most convenient to visit in the world. Easy walks to the foot of the glaciers pass along ancient river valleys with steep sides bearing gigantic horizontal scars from when the glaciers have retreated and advanced over millennia. When you stand close to the foot of these glaciers, their sheer enormity is very humbling. Here are some facts to help you get the picture: Over its 13 kilometre length, the Fox glacier plummets 2,600 metres from high in the Southern Alps. It is fed by four alpine glaciers that receive around 30 metres of snowfall each year. The snow is compacted at the top of the glacier into blue ice hundreds of metres deep. This ice slides down hill to the more level river valley below, where it is still 300 metres thick. The movement is lubricated by ice that melts under pressure between the glacier and the steep valley floor. This effect, combined with the high snowfall feeding the top of the glacier, means the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers flow around ten times faster than most valley glaciers.
Shelving in the valley floor deep beneath the glacier causes cracking, upheaval and deep ravines in the glacier surface, creating a dramatic and potentially dangerous frozen landscape. Surface melting occurs throughout the lower altitudes, feeding the frigid rivers that flow out the rocky ravines and on through temperate rainforests to the Tasman Sea. Rise to the sun caressing the cloud-piercing peaks of the massive alps. Hear the luxuriant rainforests come alive with a chorus of birdsong as ancient trees add more centuries to their lives on their climb skyward. Watch morning mists rise from serene lakes and collect on the abundant fern fronds. Feel the freshness of the waterfalls, streams and rivers as they send their cool, clear waters tumbling towards the coast. Listen closely to the glaciers creaking and cracking as they release their milky glacial torrents over boulder-strewn beds. Explore a lonesome sea-eroded shore-line. Enjoy the romance of a vibrant sunset over bush fringed pools. |
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Franz Josef/Fox Glacier Activities |
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Canyoning / Spelunking New Zealand
Caving New Zealand
Climbing New Zealand
Farm Tours New Zealand
Food & Wine New Zealand
Game and Sport Fishing New Zealand
Golf New Zealand
Heli Skiing New Zealand
Hiking and Walking New Zealand
History and Culture New Zealand
Horse Riding New Zealand
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Hunting New Zealand
Jet Boating New Zealand
Kayaking and Canoeing New Zealand
Mountain Biking New Zealand
Scenic Flights New Zealand
Spa Treatments New Zealand
Trout Fishing New Zealand
White Water Rafting New Zealand
Wine Regions New Zealand
Wine Tasting and Wineries New Zealand
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| Events in Franz Josef/Fox Glacier |
SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS:
Franz Josef Glacier: Few sights equal the spectacle of these giant tongues of ice grinding down through temperate rainforest to just 250 metres above sea level (this is the only place outside Argentina where this occurs). Visitors are often surprised to find such a warm/mild climate in Franz Josef (due to the moderating effect of the sea and rainforests), given the proximity of the glaciers and the highest peaks of the Southern Alps only a few kilometres from the township.
Fox Glacier: The Fox Glacier township offers a more intimate ‘village’ experience than its bigger neighbour, Franz Josef. Tucked into the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, the township offers a range of good quality accommodation, hotels, cafés, a general store and service station for motoring needs. The Fox glacier offers a different set of glacier experiences than the Franz Josef glacier, and visitors are increasingly booking activities on both glaciers during their visit to Glacier Country.
ACTIVITIES:
- Take a guided tour and take in the beauty of the Glacier’s
- Visit the Glaciers by foot with a local guide
- Take a scenic flight over the glaciers
- Fly above the glaciers in a helicopter
- Indulge in the beauty of the Glaciers with a helicopter flight and a glacier snow landing
- For the more adventurous, view the glaciers with a unique heli-hiking adventure
- Experience an Eco-Tour of the Glaciers
- Enjoy the pristine natural habitat of Okarito lagoon, and spectacular mountain views with a wetland experience onboard a boat designed for quiet cruising
- Take an independent walk along some of the local walking tracks, most of which are easy to moderate walks
- Rent a kayak or take a guided kayak tour of the pristine rainforest lake with a magnificent alpine and glacier backdrop.
- See the Glacier from a new angle, take a tour of the glacier country on a quad bike
- For the more adventurous, have a go at the Indoor Ice Climbing Wall: First of it's kind in the Southern Hemisphere; experience a challenging hands on ice climb on our 10 meter walls
- Enjoy the Glacier’s inside with the Indoor Glacier Experience: Audio visual sensory displays of the glacier region, Maori and European history, eco systems, geology and ice
- Sky dive with the most amazing glacier and mountain views
- Relax at a local café or restaurant while looking out at the spectacular views
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