Pin as visited
Pin as planned
Photo of Franz Josef Glacier
Pin Franz Josef GlacierFranz Josef Glacier
InfoPhotosVisited Planned

Franz Josef Glacier, also known as Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere in Māori, is a glacier located in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the South Island of New Zealand. The glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

The glacier is about 12 kilometers long and is fed by snowfall in the surrounding mountains. The glacier is named after Franz Josef I, the Emperor of Austria, in the late 19th century. The Māori name for the glacier, Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, means "the tears of Hine Hukatere," who was a local legend of the Ngāi Tahu tribe.

Visitors to Franz Josef Glacier can explore the glacier by hiking, ice climbing, or taking a guided helicopter tour. The glacier is constantly moving and changing, so it is important to follow safety guidelines and regulations when visiting.

Franz Josef Glacier is also located in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by mountains, rainforests, and rivers. The area is home to many species of native plants and animals, including the endangered kiwi bird. The nearby town of Franz Josef offers accommodations and amenities for visitors to the area.