Franz Josef City Guide
New Zealand>Franz Josef City
The Franz Josef Glacier is the most famous of New Zealand
glaciers. It is on the West Coast of New Zealand, which
is in the Southern Pacific Ocean. Franz Josef Glacier and
its nearby neighbour the Fox Glacier are relatively steep
glaciers. The Franz Josef Glacier a high speed (for glaciers)
of about 1.5 metres per day.
The formation of Franz Josef Glacier actually takes place
in the Southern Alps Range. Snow falls in the ranges and
feeds the Blumenthal, Melchior and the Agassiz Glaciers.
These alpine glaciers then flow together to form the Franz
Josef Glacier.
There are a variety of tracks available to thrill you,
for instance; the Lake Wombat Track, Alex Knob Track, Roberts
Point Track, Douglas Walk and many more fascinating tracks
that are ever-ready to meet your expectation.
Lot's of ways to enjoy nature here besides mountain tracking,
travelers to the Franz Josef Glacier who do not wish to
walk up the river bed can get a superb view of the glacier
from the lookout just five minutes walk from the bus park.
The ice cave at the glacier face is several stories high
and the blocks of ice that fall off the glacier edge can
be as big as a bus.
Don't be surprised to find that the glaciers are so dirty
looking. As the glacier scours its path down the glacier
valley finely ground rock flour, sand and even large rocks
become embedded in its glacial ice.
For a flightseeing glacier experience with the permitting
weather, take a glacier flight over this region to see some
amazing views of the Southern Alps and numerous glaciers.
Seeing the glaciers and mountain peaks from the air is unforgettable
in fine weather, it's worth a try!
A more sedate way to appreciate the magnificent scenery
of the park is via horseback. You can hire a "quiet" horse
for a half-day or full-day trip from Waiho Stables at Franz
Josef.
If you're visiting the West Coast between (Nov-Feb), consider
a tour to a unique white heron (kotuku) bird sanctuary in
Whataroa by a jetboat ride on the small Waitangi-Taona River.
From here you take a short bush walk along a boardwalk to
view the herons nesting. You will surely be amazed by the
beautiful species of white heron bird.
Getting There and Moving Around
By air
There are airports at Westport and Hokitika with regular scheduled
services include the inbound and outbound of flights to and
from various cities in New Zealand.
By rail
Highlight of a visit to the West Coast is the Tranz Alpine
Express through the Southern Alps, one of the greatest train
journeys in the world winds across spectacular gorges, over
the Southern Alps and through lush beech forest to Greymouth
on the West Coast.
By road
The car rental and mini vans services are available in
twenty locations New Zealand wide. Free delivery and pick
up from TranzAlpine train, hotels and motels are at affordable
rates.
Moving Around
The availability of various transport mode in Franz Josev
is a convenience of the visitors to reach the captivating
spot.
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