Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are remnants of the ice age, which cascade from vast snowfields of the Southern Alps through West Coast rain forest to valley floors just 300 meters above sea level. Nowhere in the world's temperate zones are glaciers so accessible.
These two glaciers move up to four meters every day, which in the glacier world is uncommonly rapid (the Tasman Glacier, on the eastern side of the great divide, moves at only 650 millimeters a day).
At the foot of each glacier, the grinding, crushing sounds of ancient ice forcing itself down the time-worn valleys can be heard. A range of companies offer guided excursions to explore the spectacular ice formations. Helicopter and fixed wing aircraft, also provide scenic flights and snow landings, amidst New Zealand's highest peaks, overlooking the glaciers.
The terminal face of Fox Glacier is just 5 kilometers from the township that serves it. The road to the walking track crosses ancient moraine from earlier advances and retreats. Fed by four alpine glaciers, Fox Glacier was named after an early New Zealand Prime Minister, William Fox. Lake Matheson lies just 6km from Fox Glacier. On a still, clear day it reflects the unforgettable image of New Zealand's highest peaks, Aoraki (Mount Cook) and Mount Tasman. An easy 40 minute walk leads to the first viewing platform, a complete circuit of the lake can be completed in one and a half hours. |
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| Guided glacier walk: an unforgettable experience |
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