The mighty Franz Josef glacier is a spotlight of many individuals’s South Island adventures. On this weblog posyt, you’ll discover out that one of many coolest methods (no pun meant) is to see the Franz Josef Glacier from a kayak!
The workforce 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 information. Right here’s why we predict 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 major ice age. The encircling tall peaks go away the lake calm and mirror-like. Not solely does the lake’s shelter make for straightforward paddling, it offers you unbeatable panoramic views of snowfields, glaciers and among the tallest peaks within the nation. Simply take a look at these photographs…
Climate
In the event you’ve heard something about heli-hiking or the Franz Josef glacier, you’ve most likely been advised that the climate is very 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 disadvantage 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, whilst you could not be capable of see the glacier, you’ll be able to 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 affect method to see the glacier and surrounding surroundings, so you’ll be able to make sure 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 the planet, the Rowi lives right here. Glacier Nation Kayaks do their finest to make sure your kayaking journey has the smallest affect on our surroundings as doable.
In addition to this, a part of the worth of your ticket goes towards the Division of Conservation, which is accountable 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 dwelling to a wide range 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 with the ability to perceive what you’re !
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 actually passionate, so that you’re sure to be taught one thing new to share along with your Stray mates on the bus.
In the event you select the paddle and stroll choice, 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 observe is made and maintained by Glacier Nation Kayaks, so there will likely be nobody else on it! This provides you a method higher likelihood 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 profiting from the mirror-like lake. The most effective half is, you’ll be able to take all of your footage dwelling free of charge! So you’ll be able to share your new enjoyable details in your Instagram captions, alongside epic photographs.
About Glacier Nation Kayaks
Glacier Nation Kayaks is run by an superior crew from a variety of backgrounds who’ve a wealth of data and expertise. They provide three kayaking experiences. Take a look at their kayak experiences and add one to your tour of New Zealand.
