From here, the car park is about 4km. If you are planning for time, 2 hours would be plenty to experience it all at a leisurely pace. Te Ara A Waiau walkway. Drive or walk south from the Franz Josef Waiau township across the Waiho River bridge and turn left onto the Glacier Access Road or Te Ara a Waiau. I'd recommend a baby carrier or backpack for toddlers to hold them when they are tired. Highly recommend checking it out when you are in the area. We scooped up water from the waterfall and drank it and it was delicious. , mostly flat except for a small (1-2 min) incline at the end, to reach the Franz Josef Glacier viewpoint. Mt Cook Helicopter Flight and Tasman Glacier Walk. One of the more adrenaline-fuelled ways to experience the Franz Josef Glacier is by skydiving over it. Please take care, keep left, and keep your speed down. Not an email everyday so you end up hating us. Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk. If you love visiting New Zealand glaciers, then you might also be interested in visiting the Fox Glacier, just 30 minutes drive south of Franz Josef, or seeing the Tasman Glacier in Mt Cook National Park. It can get quite cold in Franz Josef even in the summer. Book helicopter flights before you travel. Discover and book Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk on Tripadvisor. The start of the Franz Josef Glacier walk is located just south of the Franz Josef township. Tour New Zealand walking & hiking with a campervan hire. Then there is the rough terrain of boulders & scree. You can pay for a shuttle to pick up and drop off from Franz Josef village. From the glacier car park it’s a 45-minute walk to the public glacier viewing point. The best view of the Franz Josef Glacier is from the five hour return walk to Roberts Point, 600m on the opposite side of the Waiho valley from where you are standing. Going back to 2010, I could almost touch the Glacier face if the boys were not watching, but today the Franz Josef Glacier has receded back up into the Southern Alps by almost 1000 Meters. Depending on the amount of rain, will depend on how many you see. Even better is the private pool pamper package where you’ll have extra’s with a robe and antipasto platter for 2. Franz Josef Glacier is one of my favourite New Zealand glaciers, as it is easy to access with kids and is totally free to see. Jen has three young children, 5 and under and travels around New Zealand with them. Book a scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier & Fox Glacier, leaving and returning from Franz Josef town. Franz Josef town has plenty of restaurants but only one IGA supermarket to buy your food from. Book helicopter flights before you travel. The start of the Franz Josef Glacier walk is located just south of the Franz Josef township. There are seats here, you can see a waterfall to your right and you can see the glacier from here. from $60.62* Popular: Booked by 1,414 travelers! I didn’t find it boring, but the kids often do better, if they can’t see so far ahead. Now you walk along side the road into the Franz Josef Glacier car park. Even on a grey day with low cloud Franz Josef Glacier was an amazing, almost surreal, experience! Review for: Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk was a great walk! I wish I could climb the glacier, but maybe I will climb Mt Everest instead one day to get on the ice. 3 hour guided valley walk to Franz Josef Glacier. The walk to the glacier is through rainforest which makes it pretty unique in that aspect alone. A word of warning. Winter … Copyright @ Freewalks.nz – Website built by Cool Web Design. Peters Pool walk. Enjoy reflective views of the glacier and mountain peaks from the smaller kettle lake. Cannot park here overnight as the carpark closes- Toilets at the beginning of the walk at the carpark, - Layers as the weather is changeable, even in summer- Water bottle to fill up with glacier water from waterfalls or streams- camera- sturdy shoes are better, - No food options onsite, but restaurants, cafes and supermarkets as nearby in Franz Josef township, just 10 minutes drive, Free downloadables, tips and itineraries and all the things you need! If you have your heart set on seeing the glacier, allow an extra day in the region in case there is cloud. The 90-minute Franz Josef Glacier Walk crosses the moraine, ending within 750m of the terminal face. Subscribe below for just the best stuff, We are brand new! My kids just love helicopters…. As the West Coast is very prone to rain, there are often more streams and rivers one week, and it could be completely dry the next. This is an easy track for kids to walk, but it is a 5km return track. Click here to see the Roberts Point Walking Track at Franz Josef. The last 300mt of the walk is the last small climb to the viewing point of the Franz Josef Glacier, but alas the Glacier is still hundreds of meters away, very disappointing. It is always changing, but always expect rain and cold just in case. Walk to Franz Josef Glacier. Head to Glacier Hot Pools post-hike for a soothing soak in hot springs fed by a glacier… Shop Tickets And Tours. Do be aware that you cannot walk on the glacier here, you need to take a heli hike to do this and you will not see the glacier at close up range on this walk. DOC have decided not to fix it. After you’ve finished your walk, why not relax in the main hot pools at Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools. Do be aware that you cannot walk on the glacier here, you need to take a heli hike to do this and you will not see the glacier at close up range on this walk. Or even better, take a soak in the Franz Josef Glacier Private Hot Pools. It really is worth waiting it out. To Fox Glacier it's a 30 minutes drive or you may book a heli tour which covers Franz Josef and Fox. Travel agent should have been aware that the walk to Franz Joseph Glacier washed away in January 2020, and the river bed that one is meant to walk across to view the Glacier is under heavy, fast flowing flood water at present, 1st Nov 2020. The track heads down the hill, over a river (where you get to rock hop across – my kids LOVED this) and along a riverbed like track. One so and so, flew his drone past a chopper, almost causing the tourist laden chopper to crash. The Glacier Valley Walk by Franz Josef Guides was informative and gave us the confidence to do our own walk to Fox Glacier the next day. Just six kilometres from the centre of the village, Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere descends from the tops of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana into rainforest close to sea level. Depending on the amount of rain, will depend on how many you see. This track starts from the Franz Josef glacier carpark and leads to a beautiful small pool which reflects the surrounding mountains. Need to know. You will also come across Peter Hendes Hut. We were not disappointed. From this walk, no. You can no longer walk up the Waiho River via Callery Gorge. In essence, the walk is quite an easy walk. The walk to the glacier is an easy hike and is around 4km return. It felt very adventurous except it was totally safe. If you love visiting New Zealand glaciers, then you might also be interested in visiting the Fox Glacier, just 30 minutes drive south of Franz Josef, or seeing the Tasman Glacier in Mt Cook National Park. This is alpine country and the weather is very changeable. There is a safety board at the beginning of the track that gives a weather update and what the conditions are likely to be on the trail that day. They estimate how long the walk will be too. But, on the track there are lots of beautiful waterfalls along the way, especially up to your right hand side. Head south (towards Fox Glacier) and just after you cross the one way bridge, turn left down the road. In essence, the walk is quite an easy walk. If you have been doing your research into weather in New Zealand, by now you will probably know to expect four seasons in one day.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'backyardtravelfamily_com-leader-2','ezslot_13',611,'0','0'])); One of the best things to help you plan your Franz Josef activities, is to check in on the webcams here. Peter Hendes also built the Gallery which is just below the hut in 1907; the steps hang off the rock wall by steel bolts and rods. Running shoes are fine, but you might break a jandal if you aren’t careful. One of the best things to help you plan your Franz Josef activities, is to check in on the. eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'backyardtravelfamily_com-box-3','ezslot_10',109,'0','0']));Franz Josef Glacier is one of my favourite New Zealand glaciers, as it is easy to access with kids and is totally free to see. If you’re lucky you’ll also be able to see the Franz Josef Glacier helicopters fly in for the heli hike tours. super views of the Glacier from around 750m away. We actually walked in hiking boots because I just find them more stable, but they aren’t necessary, I just prefer them. It is one of the best things to do in Franz Josef. The track heads down the hill, over a river (where you get to rock hop across – my kids LOVED this) and along a riverbed like track. You can pay for a shuttle from Franz Josef township to the Glacier $12.5 each. Walk or cycle through bush from Franz Josef township to the Franz Josef Glacier car park. We’d love to hear from you. The hike is pretty easy as it leads in the valley to the glacier's face. So don’t be surprised if your visit looks a little different to ours. How often do you get to see a glacier for free right? If you are looking at a family walk in Franz Josef Glacier, then the “Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk” is perfect. Nice and easy terrain and lovely explanations from the guides. A guided heli-hike glacier experience you will never forget! The views over the glacier from the helicopter were awesome too. If you’d prefer to have a guide take you and explain all about the glacier, discover the legends and history, learn all about the flora and fauna along the way, then book a 3 hour guided valley walk to Franz Josef Glacier. I wish I could have my own waterfall to drink from. Nature and Wildlife. COVID-19 Update: We are currently running with limited capacity, therefore we recommend booking in advance where possible. He named the glacier after his Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. When the German explorer, Julius von Haast discovered the glacier in 1865, the glacier would have extended almost out to the Tasman sea. Each point has photos along with a description about each one. Sentinel Rock Walk, Franz Josef: See 47 reviews, articles, and 42 photos of Sentinel Rock Walk, ranked No.7 on Tripadvisor among 19 attractions in Franz Josef. They are live webcams of Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier and this can help you make your plans. Getting there. It is a roped off section so you really can’t go any further. The best bit of this walk was jumping from rock to rock over the river and the waterfall. But once you get a hang of it and understand the terrain you’re dealing with, you’re set. The glacier is less than 300 metres above sea level. This is alpine country and the weather is very changeable. If you do see people up there, they are with experienced guides. Walking on a glacier is an incredible experience. The. Franz Josef Glacier walk is an easy 1.5 hour round trip walk to the base of Franz Josef Glacier from the car park. You can’t get that close to the glacier face anymore because it’s receded too far. As it rains a lot on the West Coast, the track to the glacier is often changing. That’s one of the cool things about the region, it’s always changing. By no means should you attempt to walk on the glacier without one. Thanks to our detailed knowledge of the glacier region, you'll come away with a whole new appreciation for Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier). It is always changing, but always expect rain and cold just in case. ), Jen is a super organiser when it comes to travel. But if you take a look at the photos, I think you will see that it’s quite a good view. prices of flying and hiking on the glacier, click here, Take a drink bottle to fill up with water straight from the waterfalls (it tastes amazing). Do heed their warnings. It will take another 30-40 minutes to reach the actual glacier viewpoint, and your turnaround point. Walk past a waterfall along the wide river stone track, suitable for children. Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk & Hot Pools . It’s only a half an hour walk, but sometimes the kids didn’t feel like they were getting very far. It is well signposted for Franz Josef Glacier and you just follow the road all the way to the end and there is (free) plenty of parking available. If you want to actually make contact with the glacier, take a heli-hike or a guided ice walk. Douglas Walk (which can include Peters Pools and historic Douglas swing bridge – 90 mins), Tatare Tunnels Walk (1 hour, 20 minutes – bring a torch) Was closed last time we were here, so check in), (above) for azure blue water and epic swingbridge, New Zealand Family Road Trip Itinerary: South Island Holiday with Kids, Explore the Vanished World Trail: Anatini and Elephant Rocks, Waitaki Valley, New Zealand. along the way, especially up to your right hand side. So there you have it, our guide to the #1 thing to do in Franz Josef and if the stars align and the weather is right, I’m sure this will be one of your absolute New Zealand must dos. 38 reviews. Rivers and streams flow in different places, there is rockfall. Walk up to a viewpoint with 360° views of Okarito beach, Okarito lagoon, 3 mile lagoon, Okarito Village, Franz Josef Glacier and Mt Cook and Mt Tasman - NZ's highest peaks. The views over the glacier from the helicopter were awesome too. Follow the Waiho river that is emerging from the glacier, and in about 45 minutes, you will arrive on the viewing platform. You can however take a heli hike and walk on the glacier itself with Franz Josef Glacier Guides. Duration: Walking and tramping 2 hr / Mountain biking 1 hr Distance: 8.7 km return via same track The Tasman Glacier Viewpoint track is only 40 minutes return with stairs and a pretty easy walk for kids too.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'backyardtravelfamily_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_9',155,'0','0'])); If you are interested in more family friendly things to do in New Zealand, go check out the rest of our website, or click below for more fun things to do on the West Coast with kids, (Do be aware that some of these walks do close if there has been bad weather, so do check online or with the information centre to make sure they are open. So don’t be surprised if your visit looks a little different to ours. There are seats here, you can see a waterfall to your right and you can see the glacier from here. This day is a moderate walk suitable for older kids and up - we cater to suit your needs in our nice small groups. This bridge crosses the ice cold Waiho River that flows from underneath the Franz Josef glacier. My first heli hike was awesome as you got to wear crampons (so you could walk on the ice) and check out ice caves. The hardest part about this track, is that you can see all the way to the track terminus. They estimate how long the walk will be too. Got questions? Franz Josef Glacier walk (opens in new window) More information. Time: One hour. and your turnaround point. Roberts Point track was the first track up the Franz Josef Glacier Valley. Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk price starts from US$56.70. The walk is about 5.5km return. It is one of the best things to do in Franz Josef. Are yours the same? Guess where he spent the rest of his holiday. You have to be physically fit and at least 16 years old, but you don’t need any experience for this glacier experience. To check out the prices of flying and hiking on the glacier, click here. This relaxing, interpretive walk to the glacier is the perfect opportunity to learn the role of the Franz Josef Glacier in shaping this remarkable landscape. The trail is considered a must-do on any South Island itinerary. The West Coast is known for its inclement weather. This is the closest you can get to the glacier on this track. Franz Josef Glacier (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere) was explored by local iwi and in 1865 by geologist Julius von Haast, who named it after the Austrian emperor.The glacier is five kilometres from the town of the same name, and a 1.5 hour walk will take you to within 750m of its terminal face. Do not fly your drone anywhere around Franz Josef. Walking to the glacier is over rough and uneven ground and can involve crossing streams. Skill level: Easy. The Franz Josef Glacier walk is the best way to view the Franz Josef Glacier without paying for a tour. Franz Josef Glacier walk is an easy 1.5 hour round trip walk to the base of Franz Josef Glacier from the car park. Franz Josef Glacier area has some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand. You could look at this as an alternative, especially if the weather isn’t good here, its often different just down the road. If you have been doing your research into weather in New Zealand, by now you will probably know to expect four seasons in one day. How long is the Franz Josef Glacier Hike with kids? This 1.5 – 2 hour return walk will take you as close as you can walk to the Franz Josef Glacier and one a clear day, it’s quite breathtaking. Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike is a New Zealand must-do. But if you take a look at the photos, I think you will see that it’s quite a good view. This 1.5 – 2 hour return walk will take you as close as you can walk to the Franz Josef Glacier and one a clear day, it’s quite breathtaking. is only 40 minutes return with stairs and a pretty easy walk for kids too. Don't walk (see our must-know tips below)! Franz Josef Glacier Walk (free) The Franz Josef glacier is approx 5km away from town. Franz Josef Glacier Valley/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere Walk This is the classic walk everyone who visits has to do and it’s one of the most popular things to do in Franz Josef glacier. from $424.31* Popular: Booked by 264 travelers! Peter's Pool is a small kettle lake, formed by glacial ice melting through the moraine. There’s so many articles to add but we haven’t had time yet, if you’re looking for something in particular, let me know in a message below and I’ll answer your question in a personal reply, or even fast track an article for you. But don’t worry it was restored in 1996. Skill level: Easy. - free parking onsite, suitable for campervans too. The first 15 minutes is on a bush track, mostly flat except for a small (1-2 min) incline at the end, to reach the Franz Josef Glacier viewpoint. One of the most signatures walks in the West Coast area is Franz Josef Valley Glacier Walk. From Franz Josef village to the glacier you will have to drive or walk over a one way bridge. You can also walk straight from Franz Josef town if you don’t have a vehicle. It is a flat walk and there is even a scenic track that means you are off the main road (once you get closer to the glacier)  It is a 4km walk from the township to the start of the Franz Josef Glacier track. Lot of walking involved and if quite unfit like us you think will you ever get there. If you only want a very short walk, then this is still a good place to see the glacier from. The hot pools even have a Private Pamper Package! My 4 year old walked this without any issues and my toddler walked sections of it. That’s one of the cool things about the region, it’s always changing.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'backyardtravelfamily_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_6',108,'0','0'])); You can also do the Fox Glacier Walk, which is a similar style valley walk, but is about 2 hours return. We actually walked in hiking boots because I just find them more stable, but they aren’t necessary, I just prefer them. I know as a parent I hate to get the kids all excited, only for them to be disappointed, so this is a great travel tool on the West Coast. Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. As the West Coast is very prone to rain, there are often more streams and rivers one week, and it could be completely dry the next. In the map above, if you zoom in on the walk, you’ll see all the following track points and their location. Other Franz Josef walks and things to do on the West Coast with kids. This section of the track is likely to change with the weather. A bonus of doing these heli hikes in Franz Josef, is they often include entry to the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'backyardtravelfamily_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',148,'0','0'])); If you have older teenagers, you may also be interested in ice climbing on Franz Josef. Price: $180 per person Price: Child $90 (Aged 12 to 15)A Tour Departs: 9:00 am Tour Duration: 4 Hours. It is well signposted from here to the free carpark, - easy 90 minute return walk- mostly flat gravel trail and bush track- rock bridges to cross the river- waterfalls- Franz Josef Glacier viewpoint. Top tips for the Franz Josef Glacier Hike. For more details about the Glacier Hot Pools click here. The. Review for: Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk the Glacier valley walk is good to try, but the weather of the day we are there is not good, raining and cold, we need to walk with quite a heavy gear, so horrible. Franz Josef Glacier / Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere is a 12 km (7.5 mi) long temperate maritime glacier in Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island.Together with the Fox Glacier 20 km (12 mi) to the south, and a third glacier, it descends from the Southern Alps to less than 300 metres (980 ft) above sea level. There is a safety board at the beginning of the track that gives a weather update and what the conditions are likely to be on the trail that day. Five minutes into the walk there is a small up hill climb to a good observation point to take photos of the Waiho valley and up to the Glacier. Hiking. Rivers and streams flow in different places, there is rockfall. This tour doesn’t go on the ice. If it’s your first time attempting such walks, I think it would be useful to go with a guide. How far is Wanaka or Queenstown from Franz Josef? I know as a parent I hate to get the kids all excited, only for them to be disappointed, so this is a great travel tool on the West Coast. Visit the our Facebook Group, ask questions, get answers, meet people, post photos and share your walking experiences! and walk on the glacier itself with Franz Josef Glacier Guides. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can already see the top of the glacier from the carpark; Time: 30min return for the distance viewpoint at the end of the Forest walk; Time: 1h30 return to the glacier tongue viewpoint; Toilets at the carpark; Path is easy at the beginning. Drive from Fox Glacier to Franz Josef – 30 minutes, Drive from Haast to Franz Josef – 2 hours, Drive from Wanaka to Franz Josef – 4 hours, Drive from Hokitika to Franz Josef – 1 hour 45 minutes. Another awesome way to see the Franz Josef Glacier if you don’t want to walk there, is to take a scenic flight. Time: 25 minutes. The day we were there we were watching pieces of glacier floating down the river which was really exciting to see. Roberts Point Walking Track at Franz Josef. As it rains a lot on the West Coast, the track to the glacier is often changing. Franz Josef Glacier Full Day Walk. Book a single ticket to the main pools or enjoy the luxury of a private pool. Obviously the glaciers are both different, but we chose the shorter walk this trip. They are live webcams of Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier and this can help you make your plans. The last section is a small incline, just 3-4 minutes of uphill and you reach the final viewpoint. All of this section of the track is walking on stones. is usually around 8 years old. Track goes from village to glacier carpark via bush track. You can get to the Franz Josef Glacier car park from almost all nearby hotels within a 10-12 minutes drive. The access road and tracks can be closed due to rock falls or flooded rivers, and glacier viewpoints may be hundreds of metres from the face of the glacier. The Graham brothers used this track to guide people up and onto the Franz Josef Glacier. Good walking on river stones, no wet feet. If you are only going to this viewpoint, do make sure you head around the corner, just before the track goes down the hill, as this angle is far better to see the Franz Josef Glacier. Experience amazing glacier, waterfall and mountain views, whilst walking in beautiful forest on this advanced track with the safety of an experienced guide. Head south (towards Fox Glacier) and just after you cross the one way bridge, turn left down the road. If you have the chance to walk to the Franz Josef glacier you will be one of the 250,000 visitors a year who do the walk. This road has an unsealed surface but is suitable for cars, campervans and buses. Want to share your walking and hiking tips and advice? You can’t get that close to the glacier face anymore because it’s receded too far. The police will lock you up for the night and fine you thousands of dollars. This summer the price was $12.50 each. - Head south from Franz Josef Town, cross the Waiho Bridge and take the first left. Franz Josef glacier weather can be really unpredictable, so be a bit flexible with your plans and always take a jacket on any walk. Combine an exhilarating helicopter ride above spectacular glacier landscape followed by a hike to get up close to the ice! Walk past a waterfall along the wide river stone track, suitable for children. That way, you can do both Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier with no stress. Get the best prices here. Back down onto the Waiho valley floor, this is the one and only bridge to cross, to your right there are three small waterfalls where you could top up that water bottle with fresh cold mountain water. From Franz Josef township drive south over the Waiho River bridge. This walk was one of the highlights of visiting Franz Josef, so below is our guide to walking the Franz Josef Glacier Valley Track with kids.
Ancient Greek Phonology, Ready Player Two Trailer, Irish Coffee Without Cream, Monin Strawberry Syrup Calories, Apache Kudu Vs Cassandra, Almond Spread Vs Peanut Butter, Car Seat Laws Uk, Wholesale Biscuits In Bangalore,