Introducing Franz Josef Glacier
The early Maori knew Franz Joseph as Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Tears of the Avalanche Girl). Legend tells of a girl losing her lover who fell from the local peaks, and her flood of tears freezing into the glacier.
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The glacier was first explored by Europeans in 1865, Austrian Julius Haast naming it after the Austrian emperor. The glacier started advancing again in 1985 after a period of retreat.
The glacier is 5km from Franz Joseph village, the terminal face a 40-minute walk from the car park. Both Fox and Franz glacier faces are roped off to prevent people being caught in icefalls and river surges. The danger is very real, and in February 2007, two tourists were injured after being hit by falling ice when they ventured too close. Take a guided tour to get up close and personal.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Franz Josef Glacier in October
by neverwinter 12 September 2011
it rains two days in three at the glaciers so take your chances. I'd actually suggest Fox for the hike; cheaper, shorter walk to the face…
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RE: Franz Josef Glacier in October
by newzealandtravel 12 September 2011
Why not talk to the professional guiding company about this. You are not allowed on the glacier without a guide because they are dangerous…
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Franz Josef Glacier in October
by ncviswan 11 September 2011
Hi, I'm planning to go on a half-day hike of Franz Josef Glacier in October. Does anyone know what the conditions are like around that…
See all Thorn Tree forum discussions for Franz Josef Glacier
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Franz Josef Glacier
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Our favourite Franz Josef Glacier Blogs (beta)
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New Zealand Tour, 21st September 2011. Franz Josef Glacier.
Blog: Midwife Moira's Travel Blog. With Emirates Cabin Crew on the side. - 23 November 2011
The plan today was to get on to the Glacier in the morning and then drive up The West Coast in the afternoon. We had seen a Heli Hike advertised with The Helicopter Line and they had a half day tour leaving at 09:30.
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On the Road Again – Franz Josef to Wanaka on the Great West Coast Drive
Blog: Landlopers - 22 August 2011
My trip to New Zealand was a blur of sheep, gorgeous views and of course roads – lots of roads. I recently wrote about my first day driving on the Great West Coast Road of New Zealand’s South Island, but it was the second day...Copyright LandLopers All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.
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Hot Pools, Kiwis and Glacier Hikes – How to Spend a Day in Franz Josef
Blog: Landlopers - 19 August 2011
I can safely say without exaggeration that I loved just about every moment of my trip to New Zealand. There’s a spirit to the country that seemed to capture my own. In spite of my Kiwiphilia, there were highs and lows, just as on any...Copyright LandLopers All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.
