Glaciers and Lakes in the South Island of New Zealand
In New Zealand, you will find some of the most accessible and convenient glaciers to explore in the world. One of the most popular destinations is the glacier region in the western part of the island, which includes the two largest and most visited glaciers: Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier.
Franz Josef Glacier
This is a glacier about 12 km long located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. It is considered one of the main attractions in the South Island and attracts over 250,000 visitors each year. It starts as an alpine glacier at an altitude of 3,300 meters and reaches the bottom of the valley at an altitude of 300 meters above sea level. It terminates near the Tasman Sea.
About five kilometers from the glacier is a tourist town of the same name, "Franz Josef", which caters to the needs of the many tourists who visit the area in terms of lodging, food, and tours.
Recommended Accommodations in Franz Josef:
A modern 4-star motel located north of the town of Franz Josef, less than a ten-minute drive from the town center. Spacious rooms, each with a small courtyard and a fully equipped kitchenette. The motel offers rooms in various sizes, ranging from double rooms to two-bedroom apartments with a living room suitable for families of up to 6 people. Free internet and parking.
A charming motel in the center of Franz Josef town surrounded by trees and shrubs, featuring apartments in a variety of sizes from double studio apartments to two-bedroom apartments with a living room suitable for up to 5 adults. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen. Some units have a large hot tub. Free internet and parking. The motel features a shared courtyard, laundry facilities, and barbecue grills. Breakfast can be delivered to the room for an additional charge.
A 20-room hotel with well-equipped double suites located north of Franz Josef town (about a 10-minute drive from town). The hotel features an all-weather covered courtyard overlooking beautiful views of the mountains, gardens, and Westland National Park. The hotel has a restaurant and guest laundry. Free internet and parking.
Tours and Attractions in the Glacier Region
A great way to experience the glacier is on a full-day guided tour of this impressive glacier.
Today, because the glacier has retreated and shrunk, it cannot be reached on foot; the only way to reach the glacier and hike on it is via a helicopter flight. Therefore, all tours today consist of either a scenic flight over the glacier (or over several glaciers, depending on the flight duration) or a combination of a helicopter flight, landing on the glacier, and a guided glacier hike.
♦ Recommended tours from Franz Josef (helicopter, ice cave, and skydiving) from Viator:
Those who are not fans of flying (or cannot afford it) can opt for a walking trail to a distant viewpoint of the glacier.
♦ Recommended tours in Franz Josef (by off-road vehicle, kayak, or on foot) from Viator:
FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER VALLEY WALK Trail
This walking track runs along the bottom of the valley where the melted part of the glacier once was. It allows you to get close to the glacier. The trail begins at the end of the next trail I will describe: FRANZ JOSEF FOREST WALK. This trail is sometimes closed due to landslides, rainfall runoff, and melting glacier water and snow. As of February 2020, this track was completely closed due to landslides.
Short video about FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER:
FRANZ JOSEF FOREST WALK Trail
An accessible and easy track departs from a point near the town of Franz Josef, across the bridge over the Waiho River. The track is called: FRANZ JOSEF FOREST WALK.
The walking duration is about an hour and a half (round trip) along typical native vegetation.
You reach several viewpoints overlooking the glacier, the valley, and the river, with the main viewpoint featuring markers showing where the glacier was located throughout distant and recent history. You stand in a spot that less than ten years ago was still covered by the glacier. Its rapid retreat rate is evidence of global warming and prompts reflection on the world and its swift pace of change.
Another easy trail branches off from this path called: SENTINEL ROCK WALK
where you ascend for about 20 minutes on a gentle incline (over 900 meters) to another great viewpoint.
Glacier Hot Pools
After climbing the glacier or hiking in nature, it is wonderful to warm up and unwind at the Glacier Hot Pools of Franz Josef, located in the town center adjacent to the Franz Josef visitor center.
Lake Mapourika
Near the town of Franz Josef lies pastoral Lake Mapourika, from which on a clear day you can see the glaciers and even Mount Cook in all its glory.
The lake offers boat tours by motorboat or kayaks, or a cruise combined with a guided walk through a rainforest (one of the oldest in the country, dating back to the dinosaur era) along the lake shore, which can only be reached by boat.
♦ Recommended tours on Lake Mapourika from Viator:
During the boat trip, you will enjoy a million-dollar view of a mirror-like lake surrounded by forests, towering mountains, and glaciers.
During the guided walk, you will learn a great deal about the local flora and fauna and the extensive conservation efforts being made to protect and save endangered species in New Zealand's South Island. This is a breeding and sanctuary area for the rarest species of kiwi bird: Rowi.
Short video about boating on Lake Mapourika:
ŌKARITO TRIG WALK Trail
About a ten-minute drive north of Lake Mapourika (about twenty minutes north of Franz Josef) near the ocean coast lies another charming hiking trail called: ŌKĀRITO TRIG WALK. It is a fairly easy track, though it involves a gentle climb for most of the way.
The trail winds through a rainforest among a variety of trees, flowers, and birds, leading to a spectacular panoramic viewpoint over lagoons, the ocean, glaciers, and the Southern Alps. The round-trip walking time is approximately one and a half hours.
Short video from the viewpoint:
Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier, which is 13 km long, is located about a 25-minute drive (20 km) south of Franz Josef. Like Franz Josef Glacier, it retreats each year and is no longer accessible on foot. Scenic helicopter flights over the glacier—with or without a glacier hike—light plane flights, and skydiving are also available here.
The glacier is located near a small town of the same name: "Fox" (much smaller than the town of Franz Josef), which also features restaurants (not many), cafes, and all types of lodging options.
Near the glacier, there are several great hiking tracks: the Moraine Walk, the Minnehaha Walk, and the Chalet Lookout Track leading to an impressive viewpoint of the glacier.
A great distant viewpoint overlooking Fox Glacier is called: PEAK VIEW POINT.
It can be reached by car and is located near Lake Matheson on Cook Flat Road:
It is also highly recommended to walk around Lake Matheson. The circuit walk takes about an hour, and the views along the way are magnificent.
The glacier region offers a variety of active outdoor recreational activities, including cycling, horseback riding, rafting, kayaking, and more.
The Town of Hokitika
It is worth combining a visit to the glaciers with a visit to the town of Hokitika, known as the Jade capital of New Zealand. The town is located about two hours (135 km) north of Franz Josef Glacier. Nearby, a hike in Hokitika Gorge is recommended, where you walk around a turquoise lake on a track that also includes crossing a suspension bridge.