The mighty Franz Josef glacier is a spotlight of many individuals’s South Island adventures. On this weblog publish, 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 attractive 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 expect Franz Josef Glacier by kayak is the brand new NZ should do!
Mirror photographs
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 provides you unbeatable panoramic views of snowfields, glaciers and a number of the tallest peaks within the nation. Simply take a look at these photographs…
Climate
Should you’ve heard something about heli-hiking or the Franz Josef glacier, you’ve most likely been advised that the climate is extremely 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 a lot better than it’s on the glacier.
So on a wet, foggy day, whilst you could not have the ability to see the glacier, you may nonetheless see some fairly spectacular sights out of your little yellow kayak.
Sustainable sightseeing
The crew love New Zealand’s distinctive pure atmosphere and have a ardour for conservation and sustainability. Kayaking is a brilliant low impression approach to see the glacier and surrounding surroundings, so you may ensure that you’re taking solely pictures 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 this planet, the Rowi lives right here. Glacier Nation Kayaks do their finest to make sure your kayaking journey has the smallest impression on our surroundings as doable.
In addition to this, a part of the value of your ticket goes towards the Division of Conservation, which is liable for defending New Zealand’s distinctive pure, historic and cultural heritage. Go you!
Guides who present and inform
That Nationwide Park we advised you about can also be the oldest rainforest within the Westland space. It’s residence to quite a lot 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 !
Your information will inform you tales of native Maori legend, inform you about geographic historical past, wildlife and conservation of the realm. These guys are actually passionate, so that you’re certain to be taught one thing new to share along with your Stray mates on the bus.
Should you select the paddle and stroll possibility, 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 monitor is made and maintained by Glacier Nation Kayaks, so there will likely be nobody else on it! This offers you a method higher probability of seeing the wildlife, within the peaceable stillness of the luxurious rainforest.
An image paints a thousand phrases
Your information can even doc your kayaking journey – they’re specialists at grabbing these wanted candid photographs, and profiting from the mirror-like lake. The most effective half is, you may take all of your photos residence without cost! So you may share your new enjoyable information 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. Try their kayak experiences and add one to your tour of New Zealand.