This world famous glacier is 12 kilometre long and attracts about 250,000 visitors a year. The Franz Josef Glacier offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience a glacier that is still moving thanks to the large amount of snow that falls in the area. Being within easy driving and walking distance from the main highway only adds to its popularity. Most people trek to Sentinel Rock to see impressive views of the glacier and take picture postcard photographs.
As a introduction to the area, ask to watch the excellent 'Flowing West' Imax documentary at the Alpine Adventure Centre in the township of Franz Josef. The movie begins at the Tasman sea, where the South Westland rain cloud is formed and blown towards the Southern Alps, then falling as rain over the mountains and glaciers, flowing westwards through ice cooled rivers back to the Tasman sea.
There are a numerous walks to try but actually setting foot on the ice requires specialised equipment such as crampons and ice axes. It is strongly recommended that you have a guide with you at all times as there are hidden fissures and fractures that only the experts can spot. The walk to the Glacier takes about 45 minutes but if you are not an experienced ice climber, you may consider a helicopter or ski plane ride to see the glacier in it's entirety. Another popular option is a heli hike. Basically you get helicoptered in and then a guide shows you the ancient ice formations which are often spectacular, it then returns to pick you up.
Many people combine this with a trip to the Fox Glacier, 20 kilometres further up the road. Most tour companies will be able to transport you to either or if time permits both.
Westland National Park, West Coast.
