Franz Josef Glacier Walk - Franz Josef Glacier Walk

Fresh air, beautiful mountain views, peaceful with excellent facilities. Well maintained caravan sites.

The shorter walks are a _long_ way off the glacier now. To get reasonably close will be a 5 to 6 hour tramp

easy walk very good paths great view educational

A great place for a short day hike from the parking area out to a viewing spot where you can easily view the base of the glacier. You can see the glacier from several viewpoints along the trail, too. The main trail is an easy hike along well developed and mostly flat trail. It is about 5 km out and back. The trail is sometimes closed due to flooding or rock slips, and you can check for updates online, or just check the signs at the parking area for any potential track closures. You will pass a waterfall (Trident Creek Falls) along the trail as you hike to the viewing area. There is a short trail to Sentinel Rock from this trail, also, if you want to take a detour to see that. At the end of the main trail, you can continue your hike as far as you like along the mostly dry river bed (depending on the season) and over the rocks and moraine to get as close to the glacier as you like. Hiking on the loose rocks can be difficult and hazardous, even for experienced hikers, so wear good boots and take a hiking pole if you plan to hike beyond the viewing area. At the viewing area, there is a sign with a photo from 1908 that explains how the glacier has sadly retreated over the years. It’s a great reminder of our changing climate and the impact on our environment. Be sure to see this glacier from the ground and from the air when you are visiting the area! There are several companies that have regular helicopter trips daily to allow you to see it from above, and even land on the glacier so that you can get out and walk around on it. Totally amazing experience!

Nice short walk in rain forest and than a great view of the glacier

Shorter than expected due to the path washout of a while back. Could still clearly see the glacier over the shoulder infront. We were told to allow 1.5 hours but it was only a 30 minute return trip. Fairly easy walk.

March 2022: The main trail is closed because it was washed away in a flood. You can still walk to the first viewpoint along an easy path. Beyond there it is all blocked off with warning signs saying you must not enter. To the viewpoint it takes 15 min each way / 30 min return from the car park. You can view the glacier from a long distance, as well as the river and waterfalls on the mountain sides. There is a sign with a photo which shows how it looked in 1908 - the glacier has retreated a lot since then. It is worth going to see the glacier. It is much more shorter than the walk to the fox glacier viewpoint, and the view/distance from the glacier is very similar. I found the Franz Josef more interesting due to the signage and landscape, so if you can only do one do this one!

An Easy short walk, unfortunately you are not able to reach as far as four years ago. Not many people at the moment because the boarder is closed. Suits for all fitness level, lots of car parks with public toilets. The scenery on the way to the track is unbelievable stunning