The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers in New Zealand cut through dramatic glacial valleys to flow into temperate rainforest. While many glaciers world-wide have been retreating, these glaciers still flow almost to sea level, making them unique relics of the last Ice Age.
Fox Glacier- The town of Fox has some great character. In the town, at night, you can walk through a small trail to see the glow-worms. Not far away you can ride a bike to beautiful Mattheson Lake. You could take a great overnight walk to Welcome Flat Hut on the Copeland Track. You can do two nights and continue on to the next hut on the track
Fox Glacier Prices as at 01 November 2005
Full day hike at Fox Glacier: $99
Heli-hike at Fox Glacier: $265
Franz Josef Glacier- Franz Josef has a place to walk and see the glow-worms. If you go to Whataroa, there is a place you are able to see white herons (depending on season), you can take a jet boat ride in or you can kayak.
Franz Josef Prices as at 01 November 2005
Full day hike at Franz Josef Glacier: $135
Heli-hike at Franz Josef Glacier: $320
The Franz Josef full day hike has a very steep climb surrounded by towering columns of ice. You can get some great views looking over the glacier on the right days. You get the feeling of being right inside the glacier when you walk between the ice pinnacles. There are some narrow passages to walk through but no caves.
For a more relaxing day, take a Heli-hike on the Fox Glacier. You fly in over the Fox then get dropped off on a flat part of the glacier. You do not get the surrounded by ice column feeling. The Fox Glacier does have a few small tunnels and caves.
For a full day hike try the Franz Josef and for a Heli-hike the Fox Glacier may be your option.
But the guides always say the glaciers change from week to week so you never know what you're going to see.
The New Zealand Glaciers are a must see.
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