Due to the unimaginable blue ice formations going viral on social media, the heli-hike in Franz Josef has develop 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 actually a once-in-a-lifetime expertise. However there’s extra, heaps 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 perhaps it’s a bluebird day however you simply don’t fancy it… regardless of the cause, 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 checklist with my favorite exercise within the space: kayaking! Be part of the superior crew 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 fowl habitat through the water. Transport, splash jackets, dry luggage and pictures of your journey are all offered freed from cost! You’ll be able to kayak alone or with a pal… simply strive 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’ll be able to at all times select to take pleasure in a full day’s price of pampering as a substitute. Head to the Glacier Sizzling Swimming pools the place you’ll be able to chill out within the many swimming pools (all with differing temperatures) and even get a therapeutic massage for those who’re feeling fancy. Take a bunch of pals and even only a good e book and relaxation these muscle tissue after that lengthy Stray bus journey!
Hit the mountaineering trails
The beauty of New Zealand is that hikes are at all times 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, mountaineering 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 perhaps even alongside the seaside in Okarito.
Notice: Rainforest Retreat hostel supplies shuttles to the principle automotive park the place a lot of the hikes start – it will prevent from strolling an additional 5km every manner! Additionally, 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 experience
At all times enjoyable come rain or shine, quad biking is an ideal various for when the helicopters and planes aren’t flying as a consequence of unhealthy climate. You’ll be able to 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 mountaineering? A scenic flight may simply be the right possibility for you. It’s fairly an costly exercise, so won’t be inside the typical ‘backpacker funds’, however if you wish to spend that hard-earned money on one thing completely magical then you definately’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 pictures earlier than leaping again on board ⛄
Skydive over the Southern Alps
Saving your cash for a skydive? That is the right Stray cease to fall from the sky. There are alternatives to leap over Franz Josef Glacier or you’ll be able to select to leap over neighbouring Fox Glacier for a change of surroundings. (E-book this by way of your driver information – all transport to and from the leap is included within the value!) The perfect factor 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 don’t have any excuses… Whether or not it’s a heat summer season’s day or a wet, overcast afternoon, there’s at all times one thing to do right here! Need to be taught extra about Franz Josef? Take a look at the Stray Vacation spot Information!