Franz Josef Glacier

The Franz Josef Glacier is one of the highlights of the West Coast region. Although there are over 150 glaciers in New Zealand, the Franz Josef, along with the Fox Glacier, advance closest to the sea.

Only if you are lucky enough to catch some good weather here do you get to see the full ice flow and the snow capped peaks above.


There is short walk through the river bed to the terminal face of the glacier. Or, if you are in not injured (I was from a previous hike), you can go ice climbing with a guide on the glacier itself (Rion did).


There is, however, a danger of icefall as you get close to the terminal, so the area is roped off and warnings are posted not to proceed without an experienced guide. Some heed the warnings, while others, like me, do not.


At the terminal face is the ice cave where glacial melt flows from the glacier. This is one of the most dangerous spots at the glacier, as large chunks of ice fall regularly. Notice the silly tourists standing at the base — this was as close as I was willing to go.