What Is The Area Of Franz Josef Glacier?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
Franz Josef / Waiau Area code(s)

03

Local iwi


Ngāi Tahu

Which is bigger Franz Josef or Fox Glacier?



Fox

is the third largest glacier in New Zealand. – It is 12 kilometres long and descends from the same height as Franz Josef Glacier, but is not as steep. – Fox Glacier terminates just 12 kilometres from the Tasman Sea. – The walk from the car park to the terminal face viewpoint takes about 30 minutes.

How big is the Franz Josef glacier?

Introducing Franz Josef Glacier

This descent occurs from a

height of 3,000m above sea level to 500m over a distance of 9km

, making it one of the steepest in the country.

How far is the glacier from Franz Josef?

The glacier is

five kilometres

from the town of the same name, and a 1.5 hour walk will take you to within 750m of its terminal face. If you want to actually make contact with the glacier, take a heli-hike or a guided ice walk.

Why is it called Franz Josef glacier?

In Maori legend Tuawe was a warrior who fell to his death while climbing with his lover Hine Hukatere. … In 1865 German geologist/explorer/museum founder Julius Von Haast decided to name the glacier

after the Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Franz Josef I

. The local village later took its name from the glacier.

Can you walk Franz Josef glacier without a guide?


Yes! You can hike the trail to the base of the glacier without

a guide.

Can you drive to Franz Josef glacier?

From Franz Josef village to the glacier you

will have to drive or walk over a one way bridge

. This bridge crosses the ice cold Waiho River that flows from underneath the Franz Josef glacier. You can pay for a shuttle from Franz Josef township to the Glacier $12.5 each.

Can you walk up to Fox Glacier?

The walk will take you to

within about 500m of the glacier terminal face

. Even on a cloudy day, Fox Glacier valley looks like it's from another world. The final section of track to the safety barriers includes a short climb up to the viewing area. … The glacier is constantly moving.

Can you walk on Fox Glacier without helicopter?


You cannot get on the glacier unless you do a guided heli-hike

. The guided walks around the glacier will allow you to access private viewing points closer to the glaciers.

Can you still see Fox Glacier?

To see the glacier, you can head

towards Lake Matheson on Cook Flat Road

for magnificent views. You can arrange an ice-hiking adventure or booking a scenic flight. There are glow worm caves just a short walk from the town centre, which offers a good choice of cafes and restaurants.

How long does it take to drive from Franz Josef to Fox Glacier?

Yes, the driving distance between Franz Josef to Fox Glacier is 23 km. It takes

approximately 16 min

to drive from Franz Josef to Fox Glacier.

How can I watch Fox Glacier for free?

To see New Zealand's glaciers up close for free, you

can hike up to the terminal face of the glacier

. It's a self-guided, fuss-free and affordable way to be as close to the glacier as you can without having to pay for a guide. Of course, for a small fee, you can also have a guided tour.

Is the Franz Josef glacier melting?

The big melt: New Zealand's glaciers losing 1.5m of thickness each year. Franz Josef glacier is in retreat. This was how it looked in 2019. New Zealand's glaciers are now

melting seven times faster than

they were 20 years ago, a new global study has revealed.

What is there to do in Franz Josef for free?

  • See the Franz Josef Glacier on the Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk – FREE. …
  • See Rare Birds at the Okarito Lagoon – FREE. …
  • Check Out the Glowworms on the Terrace Walk – FREE. …
  • Learn About Franz Josef's Kiwis and Glaciers at the West Coast Wildlife Centre – CHEAP.

Why is the Franz Josef Glacier important?

Franz Josef is

the steepest and fastest moving glacier in New Zealand

. The steep form of the glacier creates the perfect conditions for ice flow. One impressive Franz Josef glacier fact is that this glacier has been recorded as moving up to 4 metres per day.

Where is the stop between Franz Josef and Queenstown?

  • Crown Range.
  • Cardrona Hotel.
  • Bradrona.
  • Wanaka.
  • Lake Hawea.
  • Lake Wanaka Lookout.
  • Blue Pools.
  • Haast Pass Lookout.
Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.