As it rains a lot on the West Coast, the track to the glacier is often changing. Please do this walk in the morning not afternoon, you dont want to walk around big rocks in the dark. The rocks can be quite slippery on a rainy day. Therefore we personally recommend a mini SUV or SUV model to have enough clearance for these kind of roads. Get to know the adventurous couple behind Digital Travel Couple. From here the Fox Glacier walk is clearly signed and easy to follow on a wide gravel path along the Fox river. I wish I could climb the glacier, but maybe I will climb Mt Everest instead one day to get on the ice. Amazing track to get a closer look at the Franz Josef Glacier. If you love camping, being outdoors all day and you dont mind a smaller living space, then renting a camper van is the way to go. Nice short, easy trail and depending on the weather you might even get a better mirror picture here than Lake Matheson. The natural hot pools at Welcome Flat are an added attraction for weary trampers. But watch out, possums are looking after you :). wide track, a great option for children. We are proud to share with you the very best of New Zealand's glaciers. torch. 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 weather is key for this track check the forecast and make sure its a clear day before attempting it! Its a long continuous uphill hike with sections of large rocks to navigate around. If it is clear you have stunning views at the pond. My first heli hike was awesome as you got to wear crampons (so you could walk on the ice) and check out ice caves. Running shoes are fine, but you might break a jandal if you arent careful. The. TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise + Gourmet BBQ Lunch at Walter Peak Station, Copyright 2023 See the South Island NZ Travel Blog | Bamboo on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Contact our loving team on 0800 872 467, Contact us online, and we'll get back to you at your convenience, Apply for a little help to support your community fundraising, With strong feathers the great bird will soar. Jen has three young children, 5 and under and travels around New Zealand with them. If you are looking at a family walk in Franz Josef Glacier, then the Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk is perfect. Is the TranzAlpine train on your must-do list this winter? Im a real person with a genuine passion for walking and hiking. This is an easy walk starting Lake Wombat it is a perfect option for Franz Josef Glacier Walk. the best in NZ, taking in views of The track to Alex Knob climbs steadily from lowland forest through sub-alpine scrub to alpine meadows and herb fields, providing superb views of glaciers, mountains and Beautiful easy hike with two small kids. George J Roberts was a surveyor from the West Coast, South Island, he built trig stations throughout the West Coast from the 1870s to 1900. Franz Josef Glacier walk is an easy 1.5 hour round trip walk to the base of Franz Josef Glacier from the car park. It felt like a home away from home with everything you need. main cycleway for views of Fox Glacier. If you have older teenagers, you may also be interested in ice climbing on Franz Josef. There is also the option to choose for a private hot tub with some tree houses or rooms with bunkbeds. Maps: Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk Route/Trail notes: Walking Tours Water Sports Cultural & Theme Tours Ways to tour Franz Josef Book these experiences for a close-up look at Franz Josef. Known for its distinctive milky-blue colour due to particles of glacial flour suspended in the water, this important river plays a vital role in shaping the landscape of the area. 4km, 1h 30min return via same track Thats not true for the Alex Knob Track though its definitely an effort! Make sure to keep an eye out for wildlife while taking in the scenery. A side trip to the It took me 5 hours to complete including stops. With 200 meters incline you will have a gentle uphill along the trail that goes through forest and then leads you up to the platform with stunning 360 views. It wont cost you any extra and it helps maintain this website! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push ( {}); Quick Facts about this walk Its one of the unique and thrilling experiences you can do on the South Island of New Zealand and a bucket list adventure for many. From there follow the marked track to the summit. Here you can relax and recover after a day of hiking before spending the night in the Hut. Theyll ship for FREE within NZ on orders over $100 (if under $100 its only $5). Canavans Knob Track distance and duration: The 3.1 km out-and-back trail takes about 1 2 hours to complete. good opportunities for bird watching if Used this as a loop after completing Roberts Point track instead of doubling back to Peters Pool, I walked along Douglas walk towards Alex knob car park. Set amongst lush native bush in Franz Josef town is the Rainforest Retreat located. 17.2km, 8hours return via the same track Better yet, why not also head to the Visitor's Centre, where a welcoming team awaits to provide invaluable insider knowledge. easiest track , quick and nice , Peters pool is amazingly mirroring. The hike along the Copland valley to Welcome Flat Hut is a popular overnight return trip for visitors to Glacier Country. Along with my small team of walkers, we hope you enjoy the site. 7 of the Best Things to Do in Bluff, Southland. Beautiful pool. Im not sure if youd want to do both of them on the same trip, and if youre only going to do one itd be Alex Knob (assuming you arent put off by the toughness of it). Visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre. With hikes of just 30 minutes up to 3 hours, New Zealand's selection of short walks cover everything from a casual beach stroll to a slightly more challenging mountain climb. But if you cant hike the complete Roberts Point Track, then only the 500 meters to Peters Pool is absolutely worth it. Dawn You can also do the Fox Glacier Walk, which is a similar style valley walk, but is about 2 hours return. You can also walk straight from Franz Josef town if you dont have a vehicle. In our opinion the Roberts Point Track is, together with Alex Knob Track, one of the best walks in Franz Josef. Limited to 8 people you will have a very intimate experience to really take in the immense scale of the bluffs and explore Milford Sound in a unique way. Weve partnered with Macpac outdoor walking & hiking gearto bring you the very best products designed exclusively for our New Zealand climate. Tatare Tunnel walk difficulty and incline: Its one of the easier walks in Franz Josef with only 185 meters incline. You will then follow the Waiho River which you cross via the Waiho river bridgebefore ascending through dense rainforest to the viewing platform at Roberts Point. It is a often reflected in Lake Matheson. Thats one of the cool things about the region, its always changing. ), Jen is a super organiser when it comes to travel. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 21 min to complete. So if youre in for a little hiking adventure and youre fit enough to complete Alex Knob Trail, then definitely put this one on your list! Very pleasant walk through the forest to get to the pond. Enjoy! You could look at this as an alternative, especially if the weather isnt good here, its often different just down the road. Nice variety of up and down, and different terrain which kept it technical and interesting. It is a roped off section so you really cant go any further. It takes around an hour to do and youll be surrounded by the snow-capped peaks surrounding the valley. Bookings are required for Welcome Flat Hut. We have stayed here ourselves and absolutely loved the self contained chalets. Both these tracks have the best views of Franz Josef Glacier but do need a bit of effort to get to the viewpoints. Franz Josef Glacier Guides offers a range of glacier hiking tours to suit all levels of fitness and ability. There are heaps of awesome hikes in and around Franz Josef. The main Franz Josef Glacier walk. Impressive views of the Seven years (and almost 400 posts) later I'm still helping locals and tourists alike plan their trips around the South Island. From here the Roberts Point Track trailhead is clearly marked and well-signed. 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). The powerful navigation assistance includes: * Walk routes clearly displayed on map. Franz Josef is a small but charming town with a range of accommodation options, restaurants, and shops. The easy Lake Matheson walk follows a 4.4 km loop trail along the lakes edge from which you can explore the different perspectives of the lake. Theres not much going on there and I wouldnt recommend walking all the way from the car park and back if youre not doing the Alex Knob Track. I hope you enjoyed this complete guide about the best walks in Franz Josef. Posted on Last updated: February 15, 2023. Highly recommended! Here are the best places to stay in Franz Josef. coastal landscapes at various viewpoints along the way. You have to be physically fit and at least 16 years old, but you dont need any experience for this glacier experience. Head south (towards Fox Glacier) and just after you cross the one way bridge, turn left down the road. Iwas worriedwatching hikers start out in the late afternoon and wondering how they would get back down in the dark. 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. The trailhead for Franz Josef Glacier walk is at Glacier car park which is the same parking as forRoberts Point Track. From here, the car park is about 4km. You will get a round trip flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound followed by a boat cruise in Milford Sound. To check out the prices of flying and hiking on the glacier, click here. Really easy trail. From coastal walkways to native forest trails and ancient glaciers, New Zealand is packed with short walks suitable for all levels of fitness. Your email address will not be published. This delightful short walk follows a The views over the glacier from the helicopter were awesome too. There are plenty of photo spots with benches along the track to relax and take in the views. There are some nice walks in the small village of Okarito. Another way to see Fiordland National Park from above is when you booked the scenic fly-cruise-fly tour from Queenstown. Hiking on Franz Josef Glacier is only allowed and possible with a guided tour. The reflection in Peters pool is incredible - even clearer than the viewing spots on Lake Matheson (if youre in Fox Glacier). In fact, this small town offers about 30 different walking tracks ranging from short scenic tracks to challenging multi-day hikes. If youre lucky youll also be able to see the Franz Josef Glacier helicopters fly in for the heli hike tours. All of this section of the track is walking on stones. Required fields are marked *. Callery Gorge Walk (Franz Josef) 5.2km, 1h 20min return via same track The crystal clear, blue waters of Callery Gorge make this a must do walk for photographers. The walk is about 5.5km return. The trailhead for Roberts Point Track is at Glacier car park which is the same parking as for Franz Josef Glacier walk. Robert Points Track takes you along a reflection pond, waterfall, over swing bridges and through native forest shows you what New Zealand is about. Lake Matheson walk distance and duration: The 4.4 kilometre lakeside loop track is a short but sweet walk in glacier country. Excellent to start off but that is very short lived, once over the Waiho River you are into real South Island tramping. Weve done it twice now and have seen descent numbers of them along the way not in the numbers youll see in some of the caves around New Zealand but its definitely a walk youll want to do in Franz Josef. valley and Waiho River. The views over the glacier from the helicopter were awesome too. Including guided walks. The trail was incomplete. , mostly flat except for a small (1-2 min) incline at the end, to reach the Franz Josef Glacier viewpoint. Alex Knob Trackdifficulty and incline: The Alex Knob Track is considered hard with 1200 meters incline over 17 kilometers. A nice relaxing walk, Access to the glacial outwash river and nice botanizing of ferns, moss, and so many liverworts, Petite fort sympa mais trs courte, et le track est ferm au deux tiers. The Callery Gorge walk is an easy 1 hr & 20min walk from the start and you double back again along the same track. Book here your stay atJAG Escape Franz Alpine Retreat. If you use common sense youll have no problems. Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk (1h30min Return) Walk through a breathtaking glacial valley to a viewpoint before the Franz Josef terminal face. 4.2km, 1h 30min return via same track The walk up to Hendes Hut was interesting, a lot of rocks to step over. The West Coast is known for its inclement weather. Franz Josef Glacier Tours | Franz Josef Glacier Guides Choose Your Experience Experience New Zealand's most spectacular glacier with us. There are seats here, you can see a waterfall to your right and you can see the glacier from here. Click on More for information about the cookies on our site and why we use them. Hopefully it opens back up sometime soon its one of our favourite mid-range walks in New Zealand (it usually takes around 90-minutes). Read in our complete guide about the best heli hike tours in Franz Josef. They are live webcams of Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier and this can help you make your plans. Franz Josef Glacier walk(opens in new window). Book a package or build your own itinerary, our Travel Centre is on hand to help. Refer to my thoughts on the Franz Joseph walk. Callery was the first person to find gold in Franz Josef in 1868. Not crowded at all though!! In winter, there is a seal colony at Galway Beach. You can enjoy breakfast and dinner at the hotels restaurant which serves modern New Zealand cuisine and quality wines. The Graham brothers used this track to guide people up and on to the Franz Josef Glacier. waterfalls and mountain peaks. Without a doubt some of the most scenic flights in New Zealand. It's a short forest climb to the ice-scraped rock with beautiful views of the Franz Josef Glacier and the Waiho River Valley. Centrally located in Franz Josef Village, the Scenic Hotel offers spacious and modern furnished rooms and suites with en suite bathroom. spectacular mountain views which are You can drive or walk south from Franz Josef town across the Waiho River bridge and turn left onto the Glacier Access Road. - Head south from Franz Josef Town, cross the Waiho Bridge and take the first left. The trail gradually climbs through Westlands spectacular forest and takes you along the river and into the mountains. There are seats here, you can see a waterfall to your right and you can see the glacier from here. Impressive views of the gorge await those who reach the bridge at the end. However from this trail you will miss Peters Pool which is absolutely worth it. Not an email everyday so you end up hating us. 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, Im sure this will be one of your absolute New Zealand must dos. This lovely half day walk includes a diverse variety of landscapes from native forest to wetlands. Its a bit of a hike at 11k round trip, about a 5 hour walk. The minute you leave Hendes Hut you will be stunned when you see the Gallery, going down the Gallery steps is amazing. Explore the most popular trails in my list Franz Josef walks with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Callery Gorge Walk distance and duration: The 4.8 km return trail takes about 1 2 hours to complete. Waterfalls in Franz Josef Glacier Valley. Although a commendable level of physical fitness is required for the Robert's Point Track, the vistas of the glacier are truly spectacular. Drive or walk for approximately 2 km (Alex Knob/Lake Wombat car park) or 4 km (road end car park). Itll only take 15-minutes or so but the view you get at the end is one of the best on the West Coast. It starts at the end of Cowen street and takes you through rainforest towards the Gorge where youll have stunning views of the silver gorge walls in contrast with the milky blue water of the river. With an on site spa, sauna and restaurant, there is nothing you will miss in this beautiful accommodation. The same goes for a motorhome which is bigger than a campervan and fits about 4-6 people. From Greymouth, you can simply rent a car or campervan and explore Franz Josef and the West Coast at your leisure. Starting in the Glenfern Sanctuary, this walk is a 2.6km loop walk on Great Barrier Island. Take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly. through lush rainforest takes you over You want to do this hike only on a clear day, because with the Okarito Trig Walk its all about the views, and not so much about the hike itself. It really is worth waiting it out. Book here your stay at Rainforest Retreat Franz Josef. Hi! A campervan allows you to camp at plenty of beautiful places, sometimes for free, sometimes for a fee. My kids just love helicopters. The bush, views and bird life a delight. An absolute unforgettable experience in New Zealand is a helicopter flight to Franz Josef Glacier including a snow landing. provides impressive views of the glacial is only 40 minutes return with stairs and a pretty easy walk for kids too. families with children. With a range of different accommodations from luxury tree huts to backpackers rooms the Rainforest Retreat has something for every budget. Tatare Tunnel walk distance and duration: 3.6 km return via same track that takes about 1 2 hours to complete. An easy . Youll see the valley surrounded by lush green trees, and if you visit at the right time in summer youll see bright red Rata lighting up the forest. Other Franz Josef walks and things to do on the West Coast with kids. Bulky orders will be $20. It took me 1.15 hours to walk including photo stops. When its open, it then takes you all the way down the valley to a much closer viewpoint, but last time we visited that whole section was closed. Glacier South Side walkway/cycleway View Post 30 BEST THINGS TO DO IN QUEENSTOWNContinue, The Te Toto Gorge Lookout is a stunning scenic spot located in the Waikato region of New Zealands North, View Post TE TOTO GORGE LOOKOUT Raglan New ZealandContinue, New Zealand has four distinctive seasons all with their own charm and beauty. Note: Walking along the beach to or from the Three Mile Lagoon is only recommended at low tide. From this trail you will start on the Douglas Walk and merge on the Roberts Point Track which starts at the Douglas Bridge. Gorge make this a must do walk for Short, easy hike. A fully equipped kitchen to cook your own meals, comfortable bed, table with chairs for dining, comfortable couch, private parking and a shared laundry. If tides allow, a section also follows the rugged coastline. The hardest part about this track, is that you can see all the way to the track terminus. However, you should keep in mind that some roads in New Zealand are still gravel or that you have to cross shallow rivers to some destinations in National Parks. This walk is a must do for photographers! Franz Josef. Book here your stay atScenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier. But alsoheli hikingis a great way of getting up close to the Franz Josef Glacier! Enjoy! Still a nice view. How long is the Franz Josef Glacier Hike with kids? The Tatare Tunnel walk is another option for one of the glow worm walks in Franz Josef you can do. Explore Franz Josef walks - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. From there just follow the signs to Roberts Point Track, in 15 minutes you will be looking at the Waiho River Swing bridge. Epic . Its a bit of a workout to get to the top but it wont take long (90-minute round trip), and the views are quite different from the other tracks in Franz Josef. Franz Josef Glacier, Franz Josef: "Walking map in Franz Josef Glacier" | Check out answers, plus see 3,606 reviews, articles, and 2,547 photos of Franz Josef Glacier, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 43 attractions in Franz Josef. Go to pauls pond from the main car park - lovely reflective view even on a cloudy day! I'm a South Island local -- born in Timaru and raised in Dunedin. Alternatively, you can book one of our short breaks or tours and let us take care of everything for you. Its not the most exciting walk in Franz Josef, but its a good option if youre stuck in town without a car. We were not disappointed. We did it on a rainy day too, so that final viewpoint should look a bit better on a nice day. Running shoes are fine, but you might break a jandal if you arent careful. What is the Franz Josef Glacier Walk like? The. to the lagoons and beaches of the coast. The short but sweet Okarito Trig Walk is a 4 kilometer return walk offering breathtaking panorama views of the snow-capped Southern Alps. Roberts Point Track distance and duration:The total distance of Roberts Point Track is 11.8 kilometers and takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete. The Sentinel Rock Walk is another one on the list of short walks in Franz Josef. Set off for a gentle climb behind Franz Josef Waiau Township, passing water supply pipes and tanks before dropping into a scenic view of Tatare Gorge. This short, easy walk on a fern-lined track 900 m return via same track Walking and tramping We were feeling adventurous so extended our walk to the Douglas swing bridge (where Roberts point track begins) before returning . But, at night the Terrace Walk turns into a fairytale like forest! The track around Lake Matheson is flat, short and easy, but theres nothing flat about the views on offer. You can also only walk to the jetty viewpoint which is 2.4 kilometer from the car park taking only 45 minutes. Ever since we're in pursue of a fulfilled and adventurous life, inspired by nature and different cultures. views of the Franz Josef Glacier valley and Book here your Milford Sound Scenic Fly-Cruise-Fly departing Queenstown. Canavans Knob Track difficulty and incline: Its one of the easier walks in Franz Josef with only 100 meters incline. Various: 500m to 6.8km, 5mins to 3h 30min Thanks for being here! Although it is only a 7.1-km out-and-back trail, the 1,162 meters elevation gain make it a challenging climb up to Mount Fox. There youll find a camping ground on one side is the beach and the other (a long way away) is the Southern Alps. Good hiking boots with ankle support and good grip are essential. Prices go up the closer you get to the pick up date. The views are stunning at the end, youll look right over Franz Josef Glacier. Be prepared for steep sections in the overgrown jungle path and parts where you have to climb with your hands. The track is well marked and maintained but is steep in places and very If you have your heart set on seeing the glacier, allow an extra day in the region in case there is cloud. Early morning is best for the reflected views. But dont worry it was restored in 1996. If you only want a very short walk, then this is still a good place to see the glacier from. 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. The walk is split into two parts, starting from the main carpark. Only do this hike when you are fit and have experience with hiking. This post contains affiliate links. Try and visit Peters Pool on a nice sunny (and not very windy) day you cant beat that view! Roberts Point Track was the first track up the Franz Josef Glacier Valley.
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