Franz Josef
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Not to be confused with Franz Josef Land in the Arctic.
Understand
The recent spectacular ice retreat at the Franz Josef Glacier has surprised even the experts and shocked local businesspeople who thought the impressive ice river would be a reliable cash-cow for years to come.
The glacier retreated 800 m in five years, prompting suggestions of a road up the valley as the ice disappears from view. Although the South Island's steep, low altitude glaciers have always been dramatic in their advances and retreats, the rapidity of the present retreat is remarkable in geological time scales. Between 1893 and the end of its last big retreat 90 years later, in 1983, Franz Josef Glacier receded about 3 km. Then, between 1983 and 2008, this glacier advanced almost 1.5 km after heavy snowfalls. But in the following five years it melted almost 820 m.
The retreat began in 2008, and in 2011 the ice thinned by about 70 m behind the glacier terminal. Then, in 2012, a huge hole opened up and guided walks were stopped. Scientists using seismometers detected "ice quakes" - the ground shaking from an ice collapse - as a huge cavity formed beneath the glacier, eventually causing its surface to sink into it.
Tourists had been flown on to the ice by helicopter, but now even this is in jeopardy.
The walk from the car park to the terminal face is now nearly 4 km and many visitors are considering visiting the larger glacier at Fox township instead. In 2011, about 330,000 people visited Franz Josef, and 184,000 went to Fox.
DoC is considering an emergency plan to build a new road to the rapidly retreating terminal face but The Westland National Park plan and park by-laws may have to be changed so the road can be built. DoC is also considering reviewing the limit on the number of heli-hikes allowed on the glacier.
The glacier retreated 800 m in five years, prompting suggestions of a road up the valley as the ice disappears from view. Although the South Island's steep, low altitude glaciers have always been dramatic in their advances and retreats, the rapidity of the present retreat is remarkable in geological time scales. Between 1893 and the end of its last big retreat 90 years later, in 1983, Franz Josef Glacier receded about 3 km. Then, between 1983 and 2008, this glacier advanced almost 1.5 km after heavy snowfalls. But in the following five years it melted almost 820 m.
The retreat began in 2008, and in 2011 the ice thinned by about 70 m behind the glacier terminal. Then, in 2012, a huge hole opened up and guided walks were stopped. Scientists using seismometers detected "ice quakes" - the ground shaking from an ice collapse - as a huge cavity formed beneath the glacier, eventually causing its surface to sink into it.
Tourists had been flown on to the ice by helicopter, but now even this is in jeopardy.
The walk from the car park to the terminal face is now nearly 4 km and many visitors are considering visiting the larger glacier at Fox township instead. In 2011, about 330,000 people visited Franz Josef, and 184,000 went to Fox.
DoC is considering an emergency plan to build a new road to the rapidly retreating terminal face but The Westland National Park plan and park by-laws may have to be changed so the road can be built. DoC is also considering reviewing the limit on the number of heli-hikes allowed on the glacier.
Get in
- A nearby road bridge on SH6 was badly damaged in March 2019, and delays are expected until July 2019, for more details see bridge repair details.
By car
- It's about 30 min from Fox Glacier.
- It's about 3 hr from Greymouth.
- It's 4.5 hr from Wanaka.
- It's a six hour drive from Christchurch
By bus
Tour buses generally make Franz Josef one of their stops, either for the night or at least a lunch break.By air
Franz Josef Airport is really only suitable for light aircraft. Mount Cook Airport is on the other of the mountains, and a scenic flightseeing trip can often be arranged at short notice.Get around
While you can take your car to the car park at the foot of the glacier, you will need to get out and face a long walk to the terminal face, as the glacier is receding. There are walking tracks in the glacier valley. Please take heed of the warning signs as you get close to the glacier terminal face.
If you prefer to do things the easy way, try flightseeing, either in a plane or helicopter.
See
- Franz Josef Glacier
The 11-km-long Franz Josef Glacier is one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions, a remnant from the Ice Age which is one of South Westland's major drawcards for visitors.
The Glacier area (which also includes Fox Glacier) attracts up to 550,000 tourists every year - most of them taking the opportunity to view the glacier close up by taking a walking tour or getting the big picture from the sky by helicopter.
The flow rate is about 10 times that of typical glaciers. From a long term perspective, the glacier has retreated since the last ice age, and it is believed that it reached the sea some 10,000 to 15,000 years ago. The glacier ends about 17 km from the Tasman Sea and the West Coast of the South Island.
Being a slow-moving frozen river, the stunning glacial landscape changes daily, and all safety warnings should be taken seriously.
Do
Visit the Glacier
- Take an unguided trip. Do not pass the warning barriers at the Glacier.
- Take a guided trip.
- Take a helicopter flight.
Franz Josef Glacier Guides offer a range of trips taking visitors up on the majestic Franz Josef Glacier. From Valley Walks, half and full day options to ice climbing and heli hiking, there is a trip to suit every ability. Franz Josef Glacier Guides is the only operator permitted to guide on the Franz Josef Glacier. Bookings are essential - either online or by calling +0800 GUIDES (NZ only).
Air Safaris provide scenic flightseeing tours flying from Franz Josef. The Grand Traverse scenic flight from here offers an incredible view of the mighty Franz and Fox Glacier and rugged Westland National Park before traversing Mount Cook and the main divide to explore the vast Mount Cook National Park.
The Franz Josef Glacier walk is inaccessible as there is significant damage to the Franz Josef Glacier Access Road due to severe weather in March 2019.
Hot Pools
- Enjoy relaxing in the newly built hot pools fed with pure glacier water. You can also book a massage after a long day exploring the Glacier. Prices for the pools start from $28.00 per adult, and massages from $85.00 for a half hour. Find out more here http://www.glacierhotpools.com/
Buy
The Glacier Shop in the Alpine Adventure Centre on the Main Rd of Franz Josef (+64 3 752-0131) offers a wide range of quality gifts, clothing and souvenirs. You may also be interested in visiting their other store, The Hobnail Shop in the Fox Glacier Guiding Building, Main Road, Fox Glacier.
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address: Top End, Main road, Franz JosefSkydive Franz offers one of the best skydiving experiences in the world. What better way to enjoy this wonderful place than to free fall though the sky and float gracefully to the ground using the world’s most modern, safest and most comfortable tandem parachute systems available.
Eat
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Blue Ice Cafe
phone: +64 37520707address: Main RdEnjoy the music upstairs after your meal. Licensed till 3AM, has DJs in house through the tourist season and has rave reviews for the lamb shanks, whitebait and pizza.
Drink
Sleep
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phone: +64 3 752-0754address: 2-4 Cron StHigh quality hostel with dorm rooms and private rooms (with both shared and en suite bathrooms). Has a sauna, great views, and a stone fireplace.
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phone: +64 3 752-0054address: State Highway 6Glenfern Villas offers luxurious one- and two-bedroom villas. Warm, comfortable, contemporary apartment-style accommodation.
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phone: +64 3 752-0001address: Cron Street, Franz JosefStylish motel accommodation right in the centre of Franz Josef Glacier township. 4-star, beautifully appointed accommodation.
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phone: +64 3 752-0112address: State Highway 6A luxurious bed and breakfast lodge, with great views of the West Coast rainforest and the Alps. The beds are comfortable, and the atmosphere relaxing.
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address: Franz Josef Highway, 1.5km north of townBudget but comfortable option an easy walk north of town - motel rooms, dorms, caravan and campsites.
Go next
- Ross – to the north
- Fox Glacier – the bigger and least crowded glacier, just down the road to the south