Because of the unimaginable blue ice formations going viral on social media, the heli-hike in Franz Josef has develop into the last 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. Having the ability to stroll by means 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 generally is 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 motive, listed below are some other ways 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 part of the superior workforce at Glacier Nation Kayaks and head to the magical 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 hen habitat by way of the water. Transport, splash jackets, dry luggage and images of your journey are all offered freed from cost! You possibly can kayak alone or with a buddy… simply strive to not fall in 😉
Heat-up within the sizzling swimming pools
While a ticket to the recent swimming pools is included in your heli-hike journey, you possibly can at all times select to bask in a full day’s price of pampering as a substitute. Head to the Glacier Scorching Swimming pools the place you possibly can calm down within the many swimming pools (all with differing temperatures) and even get a therapeutic massage in the event you’re feeling fancy. Take a bunch of mates and even only a good e-book and relaxation these muscular tissues after that lengthy Stray bus journey!
Hit the mountain climbing trails
The wonderful thing about New Zealand is that hikes are at all times in abundance… and so they’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 means of the rainforest cover, to Peter’s Pool or perhaps even alongside the seaside in Okarito.
Notice: Rainforest Retreat hostel offers shuttles to the principle automobile park the place many of the hikes start – this can prevent from strolling an additional 5km every manner! 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 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 dangerous climate. You possibly can take a 1, 2 or 4 hour journey by means 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 throughout the typical ‘backpacker funds’, however if you wish to spend that hard-earned money on one thing completely magical then you definately’ll haven’t any regrets right here. Soar over the glaciers, oceans and close by mountain ranges in a ski aircraft or helicopter then marvel on the views as you land immediately on high of Franz Josef Glacier. You’ll have an opportunity to play within the snow and snap some Insta-worthy images 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 possibly can select to leap over neighbouring Fox Glacier for a change of surroundings. (Ebook this by means of your driver information – all transport to and from the leap is included within the worth!) The most effective 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 haven’t any excuses… Whether or not it’s a heat summer season’s day or a wet, overcast afternoon, there may be 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!
