Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier is a glacier located in the western region of New Zealand’s South Island. Together with Fox Glacier, which lies 20 kilometers to the south, both glaciers originate from the Southern Alps and descend until they melt at an altitude of 240 meters, nourishing the surrounding temperate rainforest. The glacier area is one of the main tourist attractions on the West Coast of New Zealand, where visitors can walk on the glacier without a guide. However, those who wish to climb the glacier need special equipment such as ice axes and ice crampons, as well as specialized boots.

Another unique feature of Franz Josef Glacier is that, due to its proximity to the ocean, the temperatures in the glacier area are warmer compared to other glaciers around the world. Currently, the glacier is 12 kilometers long and terminates 19 kilometers from the Tasman Sea. Because the balance between the melted ice and snow at the glacier's end and the new snowfall that forms névé (also known as glacier snow) is not always consistent, the glacier frequently cycles through periods of growth and retreat. In 2007, due to increased snowfall, Franz Josef Glacier became the only glacier in New Zealand that was growing that year. Other glaciers, especially those located on the eastern side of the Southern Alps, have significantly retreated due to the effects of global warming.

Franz Josef Gracier

Reason to visit: The only glacier in New Zealand that was growing in 2007

Continent: Oceania

Country/Region: New Zealand

Province/State: West Coast Region