Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere Walk
Alert/Important notice
This track is sometimes closed due to ice collapse, flooding or rock fall. Follow all signs and barriers.
Track category
Walking track
Time:
1 hr 30 min return
Distance:
5.4 km return
Description
View the visit the glaciers safely page prior to your visit. Download the brochure or get a copy for free at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre and i-SITE.
This track is sometimes closed due to ice collapse, flooding or rock fall. Please follow all signs and barriers.
The first 15 minutes is an easy forest walk to a river bank view of the glacier. The track then continues on the rocky riverbed. Follow the markers to the viewpoint near the glacier. This track is over the shingle and rocks of the river bed so can be quite rough underfoot. Areas of the valley are hazardous - please obey all signs and rope barriers.
Getting there
Drive or walk south from the Franz Josef Waiau township across the Waiho River bridge and turn left onto the Glacier Access Road or Te Ara a Waiau. Drive or walk for approximately 4 km to the car park at the end of the road.
Places to stay
There are a number of accommodation options in Franz Josef Waiau.
Plan and prepare
- Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre and i-SITE before starting your trip.
- Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly.
- Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection at all times.
- Dogs are not permitted on this track.
Hazards
The Franz Josef Glacier valley is a hazardous environment. The access road and tracks can be closed due to rock falls or flooded rivers, and glacier viewpoints may be hundreds of metres from the face of the glacier. The weather can change at any time. Walking to the glacier is over rough and uneven ground and can involve crossing streams. Be prepared to turn back if conditions are not favourable or you are outside your comfort zone.
The main hazards in the glacier valley are:
Icefall
Never go over the barrier and stand close to the glacier face - rocks and ice fall from the terminal face continuously - some pieces can be twice the size of a campervan!
River surges
Glacial rivers can be dammed by ice falls and the dam could burst creating a huge surge of water and ice which floods the valley.
Rock fall
Heavy rain can destabilise steep valley walls, causing rock fall. Do not stop in marked rock fall areas.
Flooding
Downpours can create flooding within minutes. Follow the marked track, obey all signs and never cross barriers.
Warning: People have died or been seriously injured after ignoring signs and going over the barriers - you are taking a serious personal risk to get closer to the glacier. If you want to get closer to, or onto, the glacier there are experienced glacier guiding companies based in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier townships.
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