Franz Josef Glacier seen from the viewing point accessed from the nearby car park. It is a good place to see the effects of the retreating ice.
Franz Josef Glacier (names after an Austrian Emperor) is the third most visited tourist spot in New Zealand. It is currently about 12 km long but is retreating. It is classed as a temperate maritime glacier. The Waiho River (seen in this image) starts from the foot of the glacier. Whilst it looks peaceful things can change rapidly after heavy rains. For that reason access to the glacier is strictly controlled by DOC (Department of Conservation). Safe tracks and viewpoits are provided for visitors. This popular track astarts from the car park and is only a km return walk. It enables visitors to wal through rain forest to view the glacier. Helicopter and small plane trips are also available to view the glacier, some of the helicopter flights land on the glacier and allow access. On a busy day these flights are very intrusive and noisy. Other trails of varying lengths allow trampers to get a closer view of the glacier. Access to the glacier along the Waiho River is not allowed.
Size: 6048px × 4024px
Location: Franz Josef Glacier near Franz Josef Township, Westland, New Zealand
Photo credit: © Brian Hartshorn / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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