The mighty Franz Josef glacier is a spotlight of many individuals’s South Island adventures. On this weblog submit, you’ll discover out that one of many coolest methods (no pun supposed) is to see the Franz Josef Glacier from a kayak!
The workforce at Glacier Nation Kayak take you on a tour of the gorgeous glacial lake, displaying 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 predict Franz Josef Glacier by kayak is the brand new NZ should do!
Mirror pictures
Lake Mapourika, located within the Franz Josef Glacier valley, was created some 14,000 years in the past because the glacier retreated after a major ice age. The encircling tall peaks depart the lake calm and mirror-like. Not solely does the lake’s shelter make for simple paddling, it offers you unbeatable panoramic views of snowfields, glaciers and a number of the tallest peaks within the nation. Simply try these pictures…
Climate
For those who’ve heard something about heli-hiking or the Franz Josef glacier, you’ve in all probability been informed that the climate is very temperamental. The west coast of the South Island is named the wettest space in New Zealand (which is why the rainforest is so lush and delightful).
The downside to that is that some days the glacier is shrouded in cloud, and there’s not a lot to see. However there’s some excellent news! As a result of Lake Mapourika is so sheltered by the dramatic, towering mountains that border it, typically the climate on the lake is a lot better than it’s on the glacier.
So on a wet, foggy day, when 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 workforce love New Zealand’s distinctive pure setting and have a ardour for conservation and sustainability. Kayaking is a brilliant low influence strategy to see the glacier and surrounding surroundings, so you may make certain that you’re taking solely images 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 the earth, the Rowi lives right here. Glacier Nation Kayaks do their finest to make sure your kayaking journey has the smallest influence on the environment as potential.
In addition to this, a part of the worth 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 informed you about can be the oldest rainforest within the Westland space. It’s dwelling to a wide range of native birds, from the notorious cheeky kea to the uncommon and delightful crested grebe. The best half about having an enthusiastic and educated information is having the ability to perceive what you’re taking a look at!
Your information will let you know tales of native Maori legend, inform you about geographic historical past, wildlife and conservation of the world. These guys are really passionate, so that you’re certain to study one thing new to share together with your Stray mates on the bus.
For those who select the paddle and stroll possibility, your tour features a guided stroll the place you’ll study extra concerning 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 plush rainforest.
An image paints a thousand phrases
Your information may even doc your kayaking journey – they’re consultants at grabbing these wanted candid photographs, and taking advantage of the mirror-like lake. The most effective half is, you may take all of your footage dwelling free of charge! So you may share your new enjoyable details in your Instagram captions, alongside epic pictures.
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. Take a look at their kayak experiences and add one to your tour of New Zealand.