Franz Josef Glacier Photo Gallery

I was surprised that Franz Josef town was not uphill but actually along flat land. The main town was not that small and had many restaurants whose prices were not too out-of-line. I couldn't visualize what it was like to have a glacier amidst the rainforest, but the walk to the terminal face did the job. Remember to check the ranger's update plaque at the beginning of the trail. Conditions change quickly and it may not be possible to get too close to the glacier.

It was a long walk with part of it along the glacial melt riverbed.

The rain then started coming down so I had to carefully hike up the gravel pits to reach the final lookout point less than 1km away from the glacier. Helicopters were not running that afternoon due to the low clouds, so I would need to be patient and wait until the next day at the Fox Glacier.

The glacier is actually quite near sea level, which is unique given its proximity to the coastline. The English came in 1852 and originally named the area after their reigning monarchs. However, this was not formally registered and in 1865, the area was officially named after the Emperor of Austria.

It seemed a long way to the glacier. Hard to believe it wasn't that long ago that the glacier covered all of this.

Reflecting the precipitation-laden coast's climate, the rocks were well-covered with vegetation.

This is a unique part of the world where a glacier can co-exist with a tropical rainforest.

The vegetation eventually gave way to a more turbulent glacial drainage zone.

By now, the rain was falling steadily but I wouldn't give up after walking so far.

Finally, I could spot some glacial blue beneath the rock cover.

I had to carefully hike up the rising gravel mountain to reach the final lookout point less than 1km away from the glacier. Helicopters were not running that afternoon due to the low clouds, so there wasn't engine noise to disturb my view. The tour companies were saying the mountain-tops were clear, and blue skies did peek out to prove them right.

The return trip could be even more dangerous since it is easier to slip on the rocks heading downhill.

1.5 hours later, I was back at the parking lot, exhausted.