Walk Details

NZ Walking Routes > Great Walks > Franz Josef Glacier, Westland National Park

Franz Josef Glacier, Westland National Park

Location
Franz Josef Glacier is located in Westland National Park on the West Coast, 5km from Franz Josef township. From Franz Josef township drive south over the Waiho River bridge. Turn left after the bridge on to the Franz Josef Glacier Access Road. This road has an unsealed surface but is suitable for cars, campervans and buses. Please take care, keep left, and keep your speed down. Most of the walking tracks are accessed from the car-park at the end of this 4km road.
Description

Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day· Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy · Suitable for people with low to moderate fi tness and abilities· Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged· Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required.
Accommodation is available in the nearby town of Franz Josef.

The track follows a rocky path over riverbed. Unless you have the correct equipment and ice climbing experience, for your own and others' safety, you should not consider climbing on the glacier. If you wish to walk on the glacier it is strongly advised that you go with a guided walk company.

WARNING: The Waiho Valley is a hazardous environment – do not attempt to cross river and water channels, which change rapidly at times of heavy rain. Ice collapse and rock fall can occur at any time at the terminal face of the glacier and for this reason do not proceed beyond the rope barrier. Barriers and warning signs are there for your safety, please read and respect them. When conditions are considered unsafe a sign will be placed at the track entrance. Please heed and respect all barriers and warning signs. Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear and be prepared for sudden weather changes.

The glacier is 300-400 metres above sea level and the air can be quite temperate in sunshine. However, the sun disappears early in the mountainous glacier and an immediate and dramatic temperature drop results. For track conditions, maps, weather forecasts and more information on the area contact Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre.·

Duration
2.0 hours
Level
Medium
Amenities
  • Historical
  • Plant Life
Source
www.doc.govt.nz
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