The Franz Joseph Glacier

In New Zealand, walking can be more of an adventure than people ever imagine. And there's nowhere better to put your adventurous spirit to the test than by deciding to explore the Franz Joseph Glacier. A remnant from the Ice Age, the glacier is 12 km long - though your walks don't have to be, in order to see some of the stunning vistas on offer.

Are you an explorer?

The drive to explore glacial or arctic landscapes has been with us since James Cook crossed the Antarctic Circle in 1773 - and long before that. It's all about looking for new sights to see and new places to experience, as well as the excitement of learning to navigate a challenging environment.

But the real value to travellers worldwide has always been in visiting distant places and searching for the self, exploring our own joy in life and our achievements by exploring the world around us, whether in arctic glaciers, or those of New Zealand.

Walking, climbing, even caving in the tunnels formed beneath the ice - the Franz Joseph glacier attracts around a quarter of a million visitors each year, all hoping for an adventure that will bring them closer to themselves.

History...

Located in Westland National Park on the west coast of the South Island, the glacier has a long history. First mentioned in a diary from the steam ship Mary Louisa in 1859 over a hundred and fifty years ago, it was named after the emperor of Austria, Franz Joseph the First, by German explorer Julius von Haast in 1865.

... and Mythology

Aside from names and dates, the glacier is rich in myths and legends, notably from the famous Maori tribe of New Zealand. Walking along (or through) the glacier, it's hard not to be inspired by the mythic landscape. The Maori named the glacier 'Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere', or 'The Tears of Hinehukatere'.

Local legend tells how the enthusiastic mountain climber Hinehukatere persuaded her lover, Wawe, to go climbing with her. Unluckily, for Wawe, an avalanche struck, and swept him away. Broken-hearted Hinehukatere's tears flowed down the mountain, and froze to form the famous glacier.

Setting up camp

Luckily, climbing equipment such as ice axes and crampons that can latch onto a climbing boot have made exploring a lot safer than in the days of legends - in New Zealand, walking across the glacier is also made easier with the option of guided walks by professionals.

It's reassuring to know there's a community nearby, the Franz Josef township, providing accommodation, a heliport, and a number of restaurants and shops to unwind after a day's explorations.

Five kilometres from the glacier's face (and with Westland National Park just 20 minutes away if you need a break from the glacier), there's a chance to relax and 'set camp' during your journeys.

There and back

If you're looking for an adventure, chances are you're looking for one that will stay with you long after you've left the ice. A journey to New Zealand, walking in the footsteps of famous travellers and discovering the sights is a great experience - but better is the knowledge that after you return home, you might have discovered a little more about your own explorer's spirit.

By : Tony_Maniscalco