New Zealand’s West Coast glaciers are
unlike any other ice landmass in the world as they are incredibly easy to
reach. There's no need to trek for hundreds of kilometres to reach them as their
faces are only 250m above sea level, situated within the South Westland World
Heritage Area. If you are staying on the South Island then including a visit to
these marvels of nature are a must-do and it would be a shame if your New Zealand holiday
excluded these great marvels of nature.
So what are the New Zealand glaciers?
Fox Glacier is 13kms long and the longest of West Coast glaciers. The
surrounding peaks are a spectacular sight, including Mt Cook and Mt Tasman reaching
over 3km (10,000ft) above the landscape. This powerful river of frozen water drops
2.6km (just over 8,000ft) as it travels from the zenith of the Southern Alps
towards the West Coast.
Franz Josef Glacier is second in size to Fox Glacier at 12kms (7.5 miles) long. Being
regarded as the gem of New Zealand's West Coast Glaciers, the glacier is located
in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, and flows in a north westerly direction
and traverses along a sharp decline. The terminal face of Franz Josef Glacier is
within only 300 metres above sea level and there are only two others in the
world to be this close to the coastline.
What makes these glaciers so unique?
The circumstances of the weather and
the natural structures around them ensure that both Fox and Franz Josef
Glaciers move at around 10 times faster than other valley glaciers across the
globe. Fox Glacier has a huge build-up
of snow at the top called the nevé, which measures 36 sq. kms. This is then
channelled down the glacial valley as if it were a giant toboggan track.
More snowfall at the nevé therefore
means the glacier advances. But if the weather causes the ice at the bottom to
melt, then the glacier retreats. The glacier is currently in this latter stage
and this alternating advance/retreat pattern causes shifts in the landscape
over time.
What's the best way to enjoy seeing the glaciers?
The ideal way is to let an
independent New
Zealand tour guide, an expert that knows the area, show you all that there
is to see.
In order to fit everything in, it is
recommended you take a tour of the region lasting at least six days with a full
itinerary that has been put together by experienced professionals. There are
companies operating tours of New Zealand's South Island glaciers using rail and
coach transfers or you can drive yourself. You might take time during your tour to
experience a helicopter excursion over Fox or Franz Josef Glacer (some flights reach over 7000ft to land on
fresh snow) or visit Queenstown to
experience a speedboat trips along river canyons.
Most tours will depart from
Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city and include highlights such as:
- passing by the Waimakariri River
- staying in Franz Josef village
- climbing the Haast Pass
- visiting the shores of Lake Wanaka
- morning tea at Te Anau
- cruising the awe-inspiring Milford Sound
- spending time near Mount Cook
- crossing the Rakaia River
So what can we finally say about the glaciers that summarise how
easy it is to explore this region during your tour of New Zealand? There's
nothing quite like the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers anywhere else in the world.
Unlike the many mountain glaciers and indeed the North and South Poles, you can
actually walk right up to and on the glaciers from towns near their bases. It is
a stunning wilderness that's right next to civilisation. Hikes to the base of
either glacier are possible and scenic tours provide unique views of these
colossal rivers of ice and a choice of accommodation close to the glaciers will
suit all budgets and tastes making a visit both affordable and accessible.
