Franz Josef Glacier is a twelve-kilometre long glacier on the South Island's West Coast.
Named after the longest-reigning emperor of Austria, Franz Josef, the glacier is a playground for avid skiers, trampers, quad bikers, kayakers and adventurers who want to experience the ever-moving dense ice close up.
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Tourist Attractions, Landmarks, Glaciers
There is nothing more awe-inspiring and humbling than taking a trip to one of New Zealand's most beautiful natural wonders, the Franz Josef Glacier. I've only been here once but I will never forget the moment I clapped eyes on its beauty. Stay at Okarito Beach on a full moon and you can see the big, bright moon rise above the glacier. It's the stuff NZ Tourism videos are made of but it's real life. I can't wait to come back here and am planning a trip again very soon.