The mighty Franz Josef glacier is a spotlight of many individuals’s South Island adventures. On this weblog put up, you’ll discover out that one of many coolest methods (no pun meant) is to see the Franz Josef Glacier from a kayak!
The crew at Glacier Nation Kayak take you on a tour of the gorgeous glacial lake, exhibiting you completely breathtaking views, and filling your head with fascinating native data. You possibly can go to Franz Josef on our South Island or North and South Island excursions. Discover out extra about our 2022/23 excursions right here.
Right here’s why we predict Franz Josef Glacier by kayak is the brand new NZ should do!
Mirror pictures
Lake Mapourika, located within the Franz Josef Glacier valley, was created some 14,000 years in the past because the glacier retreated after a big ice age. The encircling tall peaks depart the lake calm and mirror-like. Not solely does the lake’s shelter make for straightforward paddling, it offers you unbeatable panoramic views of snowfields, glaciers and among the tallest peaks within the nation. Simply try these photographs…
Climate
Should you’ve heard something about heli-hiking or the Franz Josef glacier, you’ve in all probability been informed that the climate is very temperamental. The west coast of the South Island is called the wettest space in New Zealand (which is why the rainforest is so lush and exquisite).
The downside to that is that some days the glacier is shrouded in cloud, and there’s not a lot to see. However there may be some excellent news! As a result of Lake Mapourika is so sheltered by the dramatic, towering mountains that border it, usually the climate on the lake is significantly better than it’s on the glacier.
So on a wet, foggy day, when you might not be capable to see the glacier, you’ll be able to nonetheless see some fairly spectacular sights out of your little yellow kayak.
Sustainable sightseeing
The crew love New Zealand’s distinctive pure setting and have a ardour for conservation and sustainability. Kayaking is a brilliant low affect technique to see the glacier and surrounding surroundings, so you’ll be able to make certain that you’re taking solely images and leaving solely paddle ripples. The lake you paddle on is surrounded by Jurassic age rainforest. It’s a part of the Westland Tai Poutini Nationwide Park, a World Heritage Space.
Together with different treasured native wildlife, the rarest Kiwi on the planet, the Rowi lives right here. Glacier Nation Kayaks do their finest to make sure your kayaking journey has the smallest affect on the environment as potential.
In addition to this, a part of the value of your ticket goes towards the Division of Conservation, which is accountable for defending New Zealand’s distinctive pure, historic and cultural heritage. Go you!
Guides who present and inform
That Nationwide Park we informed you about can be the oldest rainforest within the Westland space. It’s house to a wide range of native birds, from the notorious cheeky kea to the uncommon and exquisite crested grebe. The best half about having an enthusiastic and educated information is having the ability to perceive what you’re taking a look at!
Your information will inform you tales of native Maori legend, inform you about geographic historical past, wildlife and conservation of the world. These guys are really passionate, so that you’re certain to be taught one thing new to share together with your Stray mates on the bus.
Should you select the paddle and stroll choice, your tour features a guided stroll the place you’ll be taught extra in regards to the rainforest and the tremendous uncommon Rowi kiwi. This observe is made and maintained by Glacier Nation Kayaks, so there shall be nobody else on it! This provides you a method higher probability of seeing the wildlife, within the peaceable stillness of the plush rainforest.
An image paints a thousand phrases
Your information will even doc your kayaking journey – they’re specialists at grabbing these wanted candid pictures, and profiting from the mirror-like lake. The perfect half is, you’ll be able to take all of your footage house at no cost! So you’ll be able to share your new enjoyable info in your Instagram captions, alongside epic photographs.
About Glacier Nation Kayaks
Glacier Nation Kayaks is run by an superior crew from a spread of backgrounds who’ve a wealth of information and expertise. They provide three kayaking experiences. Take a look at their kayak experiences and add one to your tour of New Zealand.
