Franz Josef Glacier

Over the last 200 years the relatively steep Franz Josef Glacier has frequently advanced and then withdrawn again. On balance, however, it has retreated markedly. Meltwater from the glacier forms the Waiko River.

A narrow road (6km) runs along the south side of the Waiko valley to the parking area at the mouth of the glacier. On the way there it is worth taking the side roads going off to Peter's Pool, Sentinel Rock and various lookouts with views of the glacier.

A walk (2 hours there and back) over the wide river bed and rocks polished by the ice leads to a viewpoint at the glacier's mouth. For a walk over the glacier itself it is best to join one of the guided tours, which are available twice a day.