Thanks to the unbelievable blue ice formations going viral on social media, the heli-hike in Franz Josef has grow to be the last word factor to do. But don’t be fooled, the heli-hike isn’t all that this superior city has to supply. Check it out!
Franz Josef is among the most talked-about Stray stops and there’s no secret as to why. It’s the land the place glaciers meet the rainforest. Being in a position to stroll via these magnificent pure wonders and fly in a helicopter is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime expertise. But there may be extra, heaps extra to do in Franz Josef.
Perhaps the climate isn’t in your favour (Glacier Country could be a fairly wet place!), you’ve already heli-hiked and have some extra free time or perhaps it’s a bluebird day however you simply don’t fancy it… regardless of the purpose, listed here are some alternative routes to spend your time in Franz Josef.
Kayak to a kiwi sanctuary
I’m going to begin this listing with my favorite exercise within the space: kayaking! Join the superior workforce at Glacier Country Kayaks and head to the magical Lake Mapourika. You’ll see the snowcapped peaks mirrored within the water as you paddle throughout the lake, take heed to enjoyable commentary out of your information and even enter protected kiwi fowl habitat by way of the water. Transport, splash jackets, dry baggage and photographs of your journey are all offered freed from cost! You can kayak alone or with a buddy… simply strive to not fall in ????
Warm-up within the sizzling swimming pools
Whilst a ticket to the new swimming pools is included in your heli-hike journey, you may all the time select to bask in a full day’s price of pampering as an alternative. Head to the Glacier Hot Pools the place you may chill out within the many swimming pools (all with differing temperatures) and even get a therapeutic massage in case you’re feeling fancy. Take a bunch of associates and even only a good e book and relaxation these muscle groups after that lengthy Stray bus journey!
Hit the climbing trails
The wonderful thing about New Zealand is that hikes are all the time in abundance… and so they’re free! Although it’s a lot nicer to stroll lengthy distances within the sunshine, a wet or misty day can present an entire new atmosphere to Franz Josef. Grab your cameras, climbing boots and your fellow Stray passengers and embark on an journey to the glacier face, via the rainforest cover, to Peter’s Pool or perhaps even alongside the seaside in Okarito.
Note: Rainforest Retreat hostel offers shuttles to the principle automobile park the place a lot of the hikes start – this may prevent from strolling an additional 5km every method! Also, the Stray bus will cease at Lake Matheson on the way in which to Fox Glacier/Wanaka, so no want to fret about discovering transport there!
Go for a quad bike journey
Always enjoyable come rain or shine, quad biking is an ideal different for when the helicopters and planes aren’t flying on account of dangerous climate. You can take a 1, 2 or 4 hour journey via rainforests, riverbeds, lagoons and seashores – exploring all the nice landscapes that Franz Josef has to supply!
See NZ from above on a scenic flight
Want the views with out the climbing? A scenic flight would possibly simply be the proper choice for you. It’s fairly an costly exercise, so may not be throughout the typical ‘backpacker budget’, however if you wish to spend that hard-earned money on one thing completely magical then you definately’ll haven’t any regrets right here. Soar over the glaciers, oceans and close by mountain ranges in a ski airplane or helicopter then marvel on the views as you land immediately on high of Franz Josef Glacier. You’ll have an opportunity to play within the snow and snap some Insta-worthy photographs earlier than leaping again on board ⛄
Skydive over the Southern Alps
Saving your cash for a skydive? This is the proper Stray cease to fall from the sky. There are alternatives to leap over Franz Josef Glacier or you may select to leap over neighbouring Fox Glacier for a change of surroundings. (Book this via your driver information – all transport to and from the bounce is included within the worth!) The smartest thing about skydiving is that you simply don’t simply get to partake in a once-in-a-lifetime adrenaline rush, however you additionally get the perks of a scenic flight beforehand!
So, you formally haven’t any excuses… Whether it’s a heat summer time’s day or a wet, overcast afternoon, there may be all the time one thing to do right here! Want to study extra about Franz Josef? Check out the Stray Destination Guide!