Westland National Park, New Zealand Vacations, Tours and Travel Packages

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Westland National Park, New Zealand Vacations, Tours and Travel Packages

The glacial landscapes of this national park are so unique it has earned the title of 'World Heritage
Park' from UNESCO. Together with Mount Aspiring, Mount Cook and Fiordland National Parks it forms part of the South-West New Zealand World Heritage Area.

Nowhere else in the world do glaciers descend from alpine heights to end just short of luxuriant coastal rainforests. What is more, and contrary to world wide trends, the glaciers are advancing. At the moment they are roughly 9 miles (12km) from the sea, with Franz Josef Glacier moving forward at a rate of some 11 1/2 inches (30cm) a day. How long this period of advance will continue is hard to say. Generally, the last century has shown a pattern of steady retreat; in the distant past the glaciers once reached right down to the sea and even in the 1930's the terminal face was much closer to the coast than it is now.

The Glaciers

Before setting out to explore Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers it is a very good idea to inform oneself about the park's natural history and geology at Westland National Park Headquarters in Franz Josef Village. Like all Park Visitor Centres they have leaflets describing many of the walks, both long and short, in the area.

Both glaciers look a little bit disappointing from a distance, so the only way to truly appreciate their dramatic beauty is to get as close as possible. The cheapest way to get close-up views of Franz Josef is to follow the unsealed access road a distance of 3 1/2 miles (6km) to the carpark where there is an information kiosk. From here the Glacier Valley Walk (1 1/2 hours return) leads to a viewpoint close to the terminal ice. Admittedly it would be even better to actually walk onto the glacier, but this should only be done on a guided walk.

Most expensive, but certainly most spectacular of all, are flights over the glaciers. A 'Grand Circle' flight takes in not only Fox and Franz Josef but also the mighty Tasman Glacier in Mount Cook National Park. A snow landing on one of the glaciers allows visitors to experience a pristine world of snow and ice that is normally the exclusive preserve of experienced alpinists.

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