Yesterday and today we visited the
Fox Glacier and
Franz Josef Glacier. Both are impressive, although both glaciers have receded considerably in the last 200 years. These are relatively unique in that the glacier comes right down to the rain forest and stops only a few kms in from the coastline. We were also able to see Franz Josef Glacier from
Lake Matheson, the "reflections lake", which is a few miles from the Franz Josef township.
There is a lovely 1.5hrs walk which we took around the lake through truly beautiful forest and bush. This was just after a downpour so everything was wet, lush and "alive". We also managed a helicopter flight up over the Frans Joseph glacier.
Unfortunately we were unable to land as the wind was too strong and clouds had set in on the top of the mountain. The pilot decided it was unsafe; nevertheless it was an awesome experience!
Yesterday and today we visited the Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. Both are impressive, although both glaciers have receded considerably in the last 200 years. These are relatively unique in that the glacier comes right down to the rain forest and stops only a few kms in from the coastline. We were also able to see Franz Josef Glacier from Lake Matheson, the "reflections lake", which is a few miles from the Franz Josef township. 
There is a lovely 1.5hrs walk which we took around the lake through truly beautiful forest and bush. This was just after a downpour so everything was wet, lush and "alive". We also managed a helicopter flight up over the Frans Joseph glacier.
Unfortunately we were unable to land as the wind was too strong and clouds had set in on the top of the mountain. The pilot decided it was unsafe; nevertheless it was an awesome experience!
