The Glaciers Overview

The landscape of southwest New Zealand has been carved out by glaciers. The twin glaciers of Franz Josef and Fox are the most famous of New Zealand’s glaciers not only because of their size and speed (they advance up to a foot per day), but also because they descend into temperate rainforest, terminating only 12km from the Tasman Sea. Sandwiched between the sea and the Southern Alps, Fox and Franz are more accessible than most glaciers in the area. Every year, thousands of travelers find themselves face-to-face with several billion cubic meters of rapidly moving (by glacial standards) solid blue ice.

Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are part of the 117,547-hectare Westland National Park, which contains a multitude of hikes and bushwalks highlighting native flora and fauna. There are many ways to explore the glaciers: a guided hike or a bird’s eye helicopter tour are the most popular. Franz Josef Glacier, though smaller, has a reputation for more adventurous guided hikes. However, Fox Glacier is less crowded with slightly better weather, and the town of Fox Glacier is noticeably less commercial than its twin.

You Can’T Say We Didn’T Warn You. Signs and barriers exist for your own protection. Tourists have been crushed by falling ice after ducking under the safety ropes to get “just a little closer.” It’s only safe to venture onto the glacier with a professional guide, and no, this book does not count.

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