Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

List of noteworthy Franz Josef & Fox Glacier attractions and places to see in Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, from the must-see tourist landmarks to the top local attractions.

Fox Glacier

The striking Fox Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world and offers dazzling views of the river of ice as it travels through the valley into the temperate rainforest below. The glacier, along with Franz Josef glacier, moves at ten times the speed of other glaciers around the world and it constantly shifts as it advances, creating spectacular scenes of ice cliffs and crevasses.

 

Fox Glacier is the longest glacier in New Zealand at 8 miles (13 kilometers) long and is surrounded by striking mountains 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) high. The glacier has been advancing since 1985.

 

Franz Josef Glacier

One of the fastest moving glaciers in the world, the Franz Josef Glacier is a spectacular river of ice. It is one of the world's steepest glaciers descending 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) over its 7.5 mile (12 kilometer) path through the valley, ending in lush temperate rainforest. As it flows it travels over bumpy steps which forces ice upwards to create dramatic ice cliffs and sharp crevasses.

 

Over 2,700 people visit the ice a day during peak season. Some spend their time exploring the terminal face while others take helicopters to take advantage of the views and get access to higher icefalls, so they can clamor over the less-populated ice and carve out an adventure in the stunning and challenging terrain.