Regardless of which place you choose, there is no wrong decision. In a nutshell, those looking for a more established town with varied accommodation options and multiple restaurants will prefer to see Franz Josef, while those focused on the outdoors or looking for something a little more unique will prefer Fox Glacier. Franz Josef is also known for it’s famous ‘blue ice’ and features some astonishing blue ice caves. Tours on Franz Josef follow a set track that is cut specifically, well-established and accessible to hikers of all experience levels. On Fox glacier tours, the route varies each day in accordance to weather conditions and the guide’s judgment - which can lead to some unique and interesting sights - it is also the only glacier with magnificent views of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman. While Fox is longer and not as steep, it is the less popular of the two. As mentioned previously Franz is more developed, with a wider range of activities, restaurants and accommodation options, while Fox is smaller, less busy and has a quaint village-like feel.īut really, the main differences are with the glaciers themselves. Formed by a large block of ice left behind from the retreating Franz Josef Glacier that simply melted into a pool, Mapourika is home to the rare crested grebe, grey duck, mallard duck, black swan, tui, bellbird and grey warbler.īoth the townships and the glaciers themselves are quite different.
You’ll have the chance to relax and rejuvenate in a beautiful setting - an activity we highly recommend.įor the bird lovers out there, another activity we highly recommend is visiting Lake Mapourika. Another highlight of Franz are the hot pools, nestled in the heart of the rain forest. Along the way you'll see the historic Hendes Valley, a cantilevered, part suspended balcony built in the early 1900’s.įranz Josef is also home to the West Coast Wildlife Centre, a unique interactive experience where you’ll meet New Zealand’s rarest kiwi, the Rowi, and learn about the conservation efforts being made to preserve this species. If you’re really keen, head up along the Roberts Point track which climbs along the valley wall. As with Fox you can walk along the valley to the terminal face, or take a helicopter guided tour on the ice.įrom the glacier carpark there are a number of short walks such as the tranquil Peters Pool or Sentinel Rock, affording a different view of the glacier. Significantly smaller than the Fox Glacier, the Franz Josef Glacier is steeper and more susceptible to atmospheric conditions. Also five kilometres from the town centre, the Franz Josef Glacier is easily accessible. A 25 minute drive further up the coast, Franz is also home to a glacier of the same name. The town of Franz Josef is slightly larger than its neighbour, Fox Glacier, but similar in feel. Fox is also home to a variety of accommodation options and shops as well as eco-tours, scenic flights, bush walks and bird watching. You’ll also see variety of different types of trees, tree ferns and mosses as well. At nightfall, take a gentle 30-40 minute loop walk through thick rain forest to see multiple glow worm grottos.
Formed during the ice age, Matheson is shaded by the back-side of Mount Cook, the highest mountain peak in New Zealand.Īnother thing Fox is known for is it’s Glowworms. If you're fond of walking, another must-do while you're here is Lake Matheson. Take an easy walk to its terminal face, or choose a guided helicopter tour onto the ice for spectacular views of this dramatic landscape and mountains beyond. At just 5 kilometres from the village Fox Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. It goes without saying, a visit to the Glacier is a must. Wander the beach nearby and keep an eye out for washed up greenstone, or take some time exploring the forests surrounding the town. With a permanent population of just 400, this quaint country town has a multitude of activities both for the sedentary and for those keen on a little adventure. The name of both the glacier and the village, Fox is nestled between the forested foothills of the Southern Alps and the rugged West Coast.
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How to choose between two such spectacular places then? We break it down for you. But if you’ve got limited time to spend, even a 25 minute drive can mean the difference between seeing one or both. Only 25 minutes apart, the two villages are charming tourist destinations and home to some of the most accessible glaciers in the world. The towns of Fox Glacier and Franz Josef are not far from the glacier surrounded by rain forest, rivers and snow-capped mountains. Tucked in behind the rugged shores of New Zealand’s West Coast is glacier country.
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