Franz Josef Glacier, pretty impressive really!

After another days travel (I wish that New Zealand did overnight buses) we finally arrived in Frans Josef in the late afternoon. The most important issue for Priya and I was how we should see the Glacier. Should we do a guided tour on the Glacier, a heli-hike on the Glacier or just see the Glacier terminal face (where it stops). Finances dictated once again and we decided we'd get a shuttle bus to see the Glacier terminal face the next day.

Frans Josef is one of the worlds more remarkable Glaciers as it is incredibly fast moving as it is capable of advancing or retreating by 5 metres a year. The terminal face of the Glacier is located in a very temperate climate so you have the strange pleasure of walking through rain-forest like growth whilst being able to see a giant frozen Glacier. As I have already stated Priya and I chose to simply see the Glacier and partake in some of the walks around the area. I do not regret this decision at all as we spent most of the afternoon on a quiet walk to lake wombat. It is amazing how few people you see during a 3 hour walk in New Zealand, and this just gives you a pleasant feeling of seclusion and adventure. Once we'd finished at the Glacier we had to get back to the guesthouse and pack our things in preparation for one of the highlights of our time in New Zealand - 2 consecutive days of travel, on arguably two of the most scenic rail journeys in the world.

written by

Priya&Tim on March 4, 2007 from Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand

from the travel blog: Cheeky Round The World Trip

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