The Franz Josef Glacier

The Franz Josef Glacier is part of the Glacier Country of New Zealand's South Island. In fairly close proximity to Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier is a very popular destination for tourists interested in glacial attractions. The Franz Josef Glacier is 12 km long, and like nearby Fox Glacier, it is unique in the fact that it ends in a temperate rainforest, lush with greenery.

This glacier was first mentioned in 1859, when it was described from the deck of the steamship Mary Louisa. Julius von Haast, a German explorer, named the glacier after Emperor Franz Josef I of Austria in 1865. Local Maori legend says that Hinehukatere loved to climb in the mountains. She persuaded her lover, Tawe, to climb with her one day, even though he was not an accomplished climber like she was. Nevertheless, he enjoyed coming with her. One day while they were climbing, an avalanche swept her lover to his death. Broken hearted, it is said Hinehukatere's tears flowed down the mountain and froze, forming the glacier we see today.

Glaciers either advance or retreat, according to whether or not they receive more snowfall during the year or if they melt faster than snow can accumulate. The Franz Josef Glacier is no different. There is a great history illustrating this glacial activity. In 1931, the St. James Anglican Church was built with a terrific panoramic window opening to the glacier. New Zealand issued a postage stamp featuring this view in 1946. By 1954, however, one could no longer see the glacier from the church due to the glacier's retreat. The glacier began to advance again in 1984, and by 1997, had once again advanced enough to give a good view to the church members of St. James. Like the Fox Glacier, the Franz Josef Glacier is advancing at a very fast rate, compared to other advancing glaciers around the world.

If you visit Franz Josef Glacier, be sure to take one of the tours. There are several tours available that will take you hiking up onto the glacier itself. Exploring the blue ice and some of the amazing ice caves and arches will be an unforgettable experience. All tours are guided by experienced glacier guides who will safely take you on this grand adventure. Hikes of various lengths are available, as well as ice climbing and helicopter flights combined with hiking farther up the face of the glacier. Even beginners can participate safely on these hikes.

The Franz Josef Glacier

If you prefer a bird's eye view, you can schedule an air flight over the glacier to see its pristine beauty from above. Visit the Glacier Centre, where you can learn how to climb ice walls and learn the history and mythology of the glacier, and all about the plants and animals that live around the glacier. If you want to enjoy the surrounding area, you can also book a horse trek through the surrounding countryside, enjoying the glacier as a backdrop. Or if water is more your speed, you can kayak in any of the local lakes while visiting the Franz Josef Glacier.