Franz Josef Glacier

This is a very nice walk through the Bush and a stark eye opener for global warming. Go see it before it all goes back. Needs about 1.5hours just to make sure you enjoy the views. There are a few other walks around that looked amazing but I couldn't get to amy of them. Easy access by car to the start of the walk and a few other stops and walks around on the way too.

We only completed the bush walk that lasts maybe 20 minutes in each direction with a viewing platform. The glacier has obviously been affected over the many years with earthquakes and climate change etc. Even if you opt not to take a helicopter tour up into the glacier directly, this is an amazing experience and one of a kind. Yes, you can only go up to a certain point as the rest of the track is closed but it is what it is. This spot, Lake Matheson and Fox Glacier are three iconic points in the West Coast Region and for good reason.

Lovely walk from the car park to the viewing point. Very scenic, we did it in a light drizzle, wearing jeans, sneakers, and a jacket, under an umbrella. It is well with. The debris field / river bed is easy to walk on.

The walk to the viewing point at Franz Josef is quite good. It's a little up and down but it's not too hard if you're sure on your feet and reasonably mobile and fit. While you're still quite a way from the glaciers edge at the main viewing point it's worth the effort in my view. There's some good information panels along the way and you get a sense of how far the glacier has retreated in the last 100 and 10 (or so) years. The natural beauty and sheer size of the area it used to fill is mind boggling in itself. There are numerous waterfalls along the way as well if the weather has been right for them.

Excellent walk. A bit more demanding then Fox Glacier however well worth it as you get pretty close up to Franz Josef (about 1 km) which is quite close considering all the loose rocks surrounding the area. A river bed walk and a few river crossings by foot are on the agenda. Not too difficult even for the untrained. One thing though - use proper shoes as the uneven terrain can cause injuries if you use flip flops or similar. Experienced Even a bit of wildlife on the way. Awesome.