A short distance from the beach, among a temperate rainforest, a mammoth-sized ice sheet may be the last thing you expect to see, but in New Zealand this is exactly what you’ll find. Welcome to Glacier Country, where two glaciers, twenty kilometers apart, add to the well-known diversity of the South Island landscape. For a complete New Zealand experience, the blue glacial ice is a must-see during any visit to the country. Drawing thousands of visitors a year, the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are the region’s most popular attractions.
ice age relics
Glaciers are large ice formations that originate from land. They form in environments where the amount of snow that falls is greater than the amount of snow that melts. The snow accumulates and, over time, combines to create a formidable block of ice. The Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers formed during the last ice age, around 18,000 years ago. Due to the region’s unique climate and geography, the two glaciers reach almost sea level, making them highly accessible to visitors. The Franz Josef Glacier is also notable for being one of the few glaciers in the world that is spreading: a rarity since most are shrinking due to global warming.
mythical origins
While most glaciers are formed by the combination of snow, Maori mythology offers a much more romantic origin story for the Franz Josef Glacier. According to legend, there was a woman named Hinehukatere who loved to climb the nearby mountains. Her lover Wawe, although not an experienced climber, accompanied her on her hikes. Unfortunately, one of these Wawe climbs was washed away by an avalanche. Heartbroken, Hinehukatere cried so much that her tears flowed from the top of the mountain and formed the Franz Josef Glacier.
visiting the glaciers
Many visitors are surprised at how accessible the glaciers are. It is possible to walk up to the face of the glaciers and admire the weight of this impressive phenomenon without barriers. However, the ice can be dangerous, and it is best to explore the glaciers with an experienced guide and the right equipment. The Department of Conservation offers tips for visiting glaciers safely. To help you fully experience the magic of glaciers, several tour operators offer guided glacier walks. There are also options for helicopter tours, which take you on an amazing helicopter tour before dropping you off at the glacier for a guided hike. Visitors agree that nothing can compare to the amazement of walking on a vast layer of ancient ice.
Other activities
While glaciers are undoubtedly the region’s celebrities, they’re not the only attraction the West Coast has to offer. New Zealand’s natural beauty and diversity can be explored through a series of walks and trails that pass past lakes, lagoons and valleys. For an unrivaled view of the Franz Josef Glacier, be sure to take the short Sentinel Rock Walk, which ends at a popular overlook. As always in New Zealand, there are plenty of opportunities for adrenaline-seeking travelers. How about admiring the glaciers from the air during a tandem parachute jump? To unwind after the excitement, the glacier-warmed pools in the village of Franz Josef offer a change of pace. Fed by pristine glacial waters, the hot pools are the perfect place to end a day of hiking, skydiving and sightseeing. And if the pools aren’t relaxing enough, there’s always the option of a full-body massage. For other regional attractions, visit the Glacier Country website.
