Because of the unbelievable blue ice formations going viral on social media, the heli-hike in Franz Josef has grow to be 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 likely 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 definitely a once-in-a-lifetime expertise. However there may be 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 purpose, listed here are some other ways to spend your time in Franz Josef.
Kayak to a kiwi sanctuary
I’m going to begin this listing with my favorite exercise within the space: kayaking! Be part of the superior group 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, take heed to enjoyable commentary out of your information and even enter protected kiwi chook habitat through the water. Transport, splash jackets, dry baggage and images of your journey are all supplied freed from cost! You may kayak alone or with a good friend… 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 take pleasure in a full day’s price of pampering as an alternative. Head to the Glacier Scorching Swimming pools the place you possibly can loosen up within the many swimming pools (all with differing temperatures) and even get a therapeutic massage if you happen to’re feeling fancy. Take a gaggle of associates and even only a good guide and relaxation these muscle tissues 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 seashore in Okarito.
Observe: Rainforest Retreat hostel gives 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 way in which to Fox Glacier/Wanaka, so no want to fret about discovering transport there!
Go for a quad bike trip
At all times enjoyable come rain or shine, quad biking is an ideal different for when the helicopters and planes aren’t flying as a consequence of unhealthy climate. You may take a 1, 2 or 4 hour journey by way of rainforests, riverbeds, lagoons and seashores – exploring all the nice 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 proper choice for you. It’s fairly an costly exercise, so may not be inside the typical ‘backpacker price range’, 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 instantly 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. (E-book this by way of your driver information – all transport to and from the leap is included within the worth!) 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 time’s day or a wet, overcast afternoon, there may be at all times one thing to do right here! Wish to study extra about Franz Josef? Take a look at the Stray Vacation spot Information!
