Due to the unbelievable blue ice formations going viral on social media, the heli-hike in Franz Josef has change into the final word factor to do. However don’t be fooled, the heli-hike isn’t all that this superior city has to supply. Test it out!
Franz Josef is without doubt one of the most talked-about Stray stops and there’s no secret as to why. It’s the land the place glaciers meet the rainforest. With the ability to stroll by way of these magnificent pure wonders and fly in a helicopter is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime expertise. However there may be extra, tons extra to do in Franz Josef.
Maybe the climate isn’t in your favour (Glacier Nation could be a fairly wet place!), you’ve already heli-hiked and have some extra free time or possibly it’s a bluebird day however you simply don’t fancy it… regardless of the motive, listed here are some alternative routes to spend your time in Franz Josef.
Kayak to a kiwi sanctuary
I’m going to start out this record with my favorite exercise within the space: kayaking! Be a part of the superior staff at Glacier Nation Kayaks and head to the paranormal Lake Mapourika. You’ll see the snowcapped peaks mirrored within the water as you paddle throughout the lake, hearken to enjoyable commentary out of your information and even enter protected kiwi chicken habitat through the water. Transport, splash jackets, dry baggage and photographs of your journey are all supplied freed from cost! You possibly can kayak alone or with a buddy… simply attempt to not fall in 😉
Heat-up within the scorching swimming pools
While a ticket to the new swimming pools is included in your heli-hike journey, you may all the time select to take pleasure in a full day’s price of pampering as an alternative. Head to the Glacier Scorching Swimming pools the place you may chill out within the many swimming pools (all with differing temperatures) and even get a therapeutic massage if you happen to’re feeling fancy. Take a gaggle of pals and even only a good e-book and relaxation these muscular tissues after that lengthy Stray bus journey!
Hit the mountain climbing trails
The beauty of New Zealand is that hikes are all the time in abundance… they usually’re free! Though 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. Seize your cameras, mountain climbing boots and your fellow Stray passengers and embark on an journey to the glacier face, by way of the rainforest cover, to Peter’s Pool or possibly even alongside the seaside in Okarito.
Be aware: Rainforest Retreat hostel offers shuttles to the principle automotive park the place a lot of the hikes start – this can prevent from strolling an additional 5km every means! Additionally, the Stray bus will cease at Lake Matheson on the best way to Fox Glacier/Wanaka, so no want to fret about discovering transport there!
Go for a quad bike journey
All the time enjoyable come rain or shine, quad biking is an ideal various for when the helicopters and planes aren’t flying attributable to unhealthy climate. You possibly can take a 1, 2 or 4 hour journey by way of rainforests, riverbeds, lagoons and seashores – exploring all the good landscapes that Franz Josef has to supply!
See NZ from above on a scenic flight
Need the views with out the mountain climbing? A scenic flight may simply be the proper possibility for you. It’s fairly an costly exercise, so may not be inside the typical ‘backpacker funds’, however if you wish to spend that hard-earned money on one thing completely magical then you definitely’ll don’t have 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 straight on prime 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? That 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. (Guide this by way of your driver information – all transport to and from the soar is included within the worth!) The most effective factor about skydiving is that you just 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 don’t have any excuses… Whether or not 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! Need to be taught extra about Franz Josef? Take a look at the Stray Vacation spot Information!