Yes! You can hike the trail to the base of the glacier without a guide.
Can you walk to Fox Glacier? The walk will take you to within about 500m of the glacier terminal face. Even on a cloudy day, Fox Glacier valley looks like it’s from another world. The final section of track to the safety barriers includes a short climb up to the viewing area.
Consequently, Can you see Fox Glacier from Road? To see the glacier, you can head towards Lake Matheson on Cook Flat Road for magnificent views. You can arrange an ice-hiking adventure or booking a scenic flight. There are glow worm caves just a short walk from the town centre, which offers a good choice of cafes and restaurants.
How long is Franz Josef Glacier walk? About the Franz Josef Glacier Walk
| Length: | Around 2.5 kilometers each way |
|---|---|
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Duration: | 1.5 hours return |
| Facilities: | Carpark and toilets only |
| Wheelchair Access: | No |
29 mars 2021
FAQ
How long is the Franz Josef walk?
The 80-minute walk follows an old 4WD road then the tracks climbs to the old water tunnels. You will need a torch and raincoat to explore the tunnels. Walk or cycle through bush from Franz Josef township to the Franz Josef Glacier car park.
Why is Fox Glacier closed? The access road to Fox Glacier will remain closed indefinitely after a report found it impractical to re-establish road access into the valley since its February closure. The access road, which leads to Te Moeka o Tuawe off State Highway 6, has been closed since it was flooded for the third time in as many months.
Can you see Franz Josef Glacier from the road? However, the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are the exception not far from the West Coast Road, State Highway 6. Head south from the Franz Josef Glacier Village and cross the one way Bailey bridge over the Waiho River.
How close can you drive to Fox Glacier? Fox Glacier village is on State Highway 6 and is 158km 2 hours by car from Hokitika, 262km 3 hours and 15 minutes by car from Wanaka and 25 minutes by car from Franz Josef Glacier village. Fox Glacier is just five kilometres from the village. Check out the Daily Glacier Access Update before your visit.
How far is Fox Glacier from car park?
From Fox Glacier township to the glacier car park. 4.2 km one way. Walk 2hr 20 mins return, cycle 1 hr return.
How long is Lake Matheson walk? Lake Matheson is one of most photographed lakes in NZ because of its mirror reflection of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman. The walk is an easy 2.6 km on a very good track, it took us 1.5 hours to go around the whole lake, it’s a great short walk.
What should I wear to Franz Josef Glacier?
This includes:
- Breathable rain jacket.
- Hiking boots.
- Waterproof over-trousers.
- Crampons.
- Harness & Helmet.
Can you walk on glaciers in New Zealand? As there is no longer the option to walk directly up to a glacier for glacier hiking anywhere in New Zealand, the only way to hike on a glacier is by helicopter. This means there are more people flying onto the glaciers than ever before.
How do you get to Franz Josef Glacier walk?
Getting there
Drive, walk or cycle 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 Walkway/Cycleway. Drive, walk or cycle for approximately 4 km to the car park at the end of the road.
Is Franz Josef Glacier free?
Franz Josef Glacier Walk is a free walk in Franz Josef | Best walk details here.
Is Fox Glacier better than Franz Josef? Fox has a gradual decent, whereas Franz Josef drops steeply from the Southern Alps to near sea-level. The steeper incline forces dramatic movement of ice, making Franz Josef Glacier the fastest commercially guided glacier in the world, with ice moving up to 5m per day!
Is Franz Josef open? The coverage is generally centred around the region’s towns with gaps of little or no reception in between. Franz Josef village: Four Square Supermarket, 24 State Highway 6, Franz Josef. Open 7.45am 7 days a week and closes at 7.30pm in winter, 8pm in spring and autumn and 9pm in summer.
What is there to do between Fox Glacier and Wanaka?
What are the best places to stop between Wanaka and Franz Josef?
- Lake Hawea.
- Lake Wanaka Lookout (just after “The Neck”)
- The Blue Pools.
- Haast Pass Lookout.
- Fantail Falls.
- Thunder Creek Falls.
- Haast River lookout.
- Roaring Billy Falls.
Can you bike around Lake Matheson? Set amongst the lush, temperate rainforest, the lake offers near perfect reflections of the Southern Alps. The lake is a short drive from Fox Glacier village. The views are worth the short walk through lush native bush along the well-formed walking track. If you don’t feel like driving, hire your bike with us.
Are dogs allowed at Fox Glacier?
Fox Glacier is pet friendly! If you need help to decide where to stay, play, or eat with Fido, you’ve come to the right place.
Can you swim in Lake Matheson? Matheson Lake is a 162-hectare regional park near the Galloping Goose Regional Trail and the adjacent Roche Cove Regional Park. Hiking and biking trails are shared among these sites. The lake offers swimming, fishing, and paddling opportunities.
What mountains can you see from Lake Matheson?
Lake Matheson is nestled in ancient forest and is famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.
How long is Hokitika Gorge Walk? Check out this 1.30 mile, loop trail near Hokitika, West Coast. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 42 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
