FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER WALKWAY 7
TRACK OVERVIEW The first 15 minutes is an easy (fully accessible) forest walk from the car park to a river bank view of the glacier. It then follows markers in the riverbed past Trident Falls to a point close to the terminal face of the glacier. This is not a track but a route over the shingle and rock of the riverbed and it can be quite rough underfoot – make sure you have suitable footwear. The final section of track to the safety barriers includes a short climb to the viewing area. Do not go past the barriers and pay attention to all signage as areas of the valley are hazardous and are not safe for visitors. The glacier is constantly moving. Ice and rock fall from the terminal face without warning. Creeks may rise up to a metre in even moderate rain. Water levels rise in as little as 15 minutes.
The Franz Josef Glacier is a unique and awe-inspiring sight, and it’s easily accessible via this rocky riverbed path to a viewing area.
Where is it? Head south from the Franz Josef township then turn left onto Glacier Access Rd. The walk starts from the car park at the end of the road. This is a beautiful yet dangerous place that is sometimes closed due to hazardous conditions, so check www.doc.govt.nz before you start to see if it's open.
1hr 30min return; 5.4km Low fitness required Easy tramping track No dogs
Lake Matheson © Getty Images
8
LAKE MATHESON WALK
A gentle walk through native forest leads to the picturesque shore of Lake Matheson, with Aoraki Mt Cook brilliantly reflected in its waters. The lake was formed when Fox Glacier retreated from its last significant advance about 14,000 years ago. During the last major ice age, the glacier spread across the coastal plains towards the sea, dumping huge piles of rock. It ground a depression which later filled with water, forming the lake.
Where is it? From Fox Glacier township, turn onto Cook Flat Rd. Travel 5km then turn right onto the sideroad to Lake Matheson.
Car park to jetty 40min; 1km return Lake Circuit 1.5hr; 2.6km return Low fitness required Easy walking with some undulations
TRACK OVERVIEW The first section to Jetty Viewpoint is suitable for assisted wheelchairs. After crossing the Clearwater suspension bridge, the walk leads past tall kahikatea and rimu as well as a rich profusion of smaller plants. The jetty provides a magnificent mountain view reflected in the dark waters. From Jetty Viewpoint, continue further around the lake and you'll find a similarly magnificent mountain reflection shrouded in native foliage at the ‘View of Views’ at the top end of the lake, and again at Reflection Island. Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly. Overnight camping is not permitted in or near the car park. Drones are not permitted.
No dogs
WALKING MUST-DO'S 67
