Last week we talked about Okarito Nature Tours, this week I’d like to talk about another South Island adventure that is very popular, glacier exploration. The two most popular glaciers in New Zealand are Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. Both of these glaciers are popular tourist destinations because they are two of the easiest glaciers to access in the world.
Fox Glacier, named after Sir William Fox, who was the 1872 Prime Minister of New Zealand, was originally called Te Moeka o Tuawe by the native New Zealanders. This glacier is located close to both the Westland National Park and to Franz Josef Glacier. Each day during the peak tourist season, this glacier receives about 1,000 visitors. This is a fast moving glacier that is advancing at a rate of about one meter per day. Because of its movement, it is important that you stay with your guide and that you obey posted warnings.
The Franz Josef Glacier is another very popular New Zealand glacier. It is located about 20 kilometers from the Fox Glacier and it is also close to the Westland National Park. The Moire name of this glacier is Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere. Each year a quarter million people visit this glacier. This glacier is unique in that it is one of the only glaciers left in the Southern Alps that is still growing. However, the Franz Josef Glacier has a cyclic growth and regression pattern that makes it a bit unstable. Because of this it is important to listen to your guide and to avoid going beyond the marked safe zone.
The South Island of New Zealand is a great summer or winter destination. Summer outdoor activities include things like hiking, sea kayaking and glacier climbing, while winter New Zealand vacation activities include things like glacier skiing and ice cliff climbing.
