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A short climb to the foot of the Franz Josef glacier.


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Map Key

1.7

Miles

2.8

KM

Point to Point

975' 297 m

High

719' 219 m

Low

422' 129 m

Up

203' 62 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

22%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Views

Family Friendly While there are some slightly rocky sections to navigate, seeing a glacier in this amazing setting is sure to reward the kiddos for their effort.

This track is sometimes closed due to ice collapse, flooding or landslides. Stay on the path at all times as the hazards of the valley include icefall, rockfall, river surges, and floods.

Description

This short track winds up the valley that was dramatically carved by the retreating Franz Josef glacier. The first half mile of the track is easy and well-maintained, and you can occasionally catch a glimpse of the glacier in the distance.

Once past this forested section, the track heads out onto the rocky riverbed of the Waiho River. Here the trail turns to more of a rocky surface with the general route laid out by markers, but hikers will have to pick their way a bit more carefully along the rocky riverbed. On your right, keep an eye open for Trident Falls, a long and snaking waterfall that cascades down the steep green hillside to the west.

As you near the end of the track, you'll come to several safety barriers and a short climb to the viewpoint. Be sure to stay on the path here as the closer you come to the terminal end of the glacier the more dangerous the conditions are. Risk of ice fall, rock fall, and river surges are serious hazards year round.

From the viewpoint, you'll be treated to a truly spectacular view of Franz Josef glacier, complete with rushing waterfalls, cracking ice, and tumbling rocks, an impressive and formidable sight.

Once you are done taking in the view of the glacier, simply retrace your steps back the way you came.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kristen McGlynn

Trail Ratings

  3.2 from 6 votes

#27362

Overall
  3.2 from 6 votes
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17%
3 Star
83%
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Trail Rankings

#249

in New Zealand

#27,362

Overall
8 Views Last Month
790 Since May 29, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

17%
0%
83%
0%
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0%

Photos

Franz Josef Glacier.
Aug 15, 2017 near Mount C…, NZ
Colorful rocks in Franz Josef Glacier Valley with the glacier in the distance
Feb 20, 2018 near Mount C…, NZ
Waiho River at Franz Josef Glacier.
Aug 15, 2017 near Mount C…, NZ
Franz Joseph Glacier.
Aug 14, 2017 near Mount C…, NZ
Franz Josef Glacier Valley and the Waiho River on a moody day
Feb 20, 2018 near Mount C…, NZ
Pair of waterfalls along the Franz Josef Glacier Valley Track
Feb 20, 2018 near Mount C…, NZ
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Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Nov 30, 2018
Gabriel Pierson
Mar 1, 2018
Laure Leroy
Jan 21, 2018
Simon Guichard
Nov 24, 2016
Jennie Vildz
Jan 9, 2015
Junyi Julia Zhang
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