Day at Franz Josef Glacier

14 November 2007

We have elected to spend an additional night here in Whataroa in order to take in the trip to see the White Heron Breeding grounds.

View of Franz Josef from the air just after takeoffWe were scheduled to take a Heli-hike on the Franz-Josef Glacier today but, in spite of the wonderful blue skies, wind conditions at the top of the Glacier prevented helicopter from landing. We did, however, take a 30-minute scenic flight from The Helicopter Line, which included a landing on the Fox Glacier. The flight itself was excellent and smooth. There are several chopters operating on this route and others land on the ice - but rather than taking away from the experience - they actually add to it. None land close to each other which allows you to appreciate the size and scale of the mountains and glaciers you're looking at. It's quite wonderful, actually.

Church of Our Lady of The Alps in the Franz Josef Township, West Coast of South Island New ZealandBehind the DOC Information Centre (at the south end of town opposite the Church pictured right) there is a hut which was built in 1912 for a price of £120 and was the first place in which tourists stayed when visiting the Franz Josef Glacier. The DOC Information Centre has plenty of information on walks and such likes that can be done in the area.

We made some investigations this evening about the Rowi kiwi which is "nationally critical" and resident to Okarito close to Whataroa.




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