We are now in Franz Josef, NZ hiking around the enormous (12 km long) glacier, which is the source of fame and tourist dollars for the
small town. The Maori called the glacier Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere,
and in the mid 1800’s it was renamed after Franz Joseph I, the last
Austrian Emporer of the Austro-Hungarian empire.
The trail to the head of the glacier is like going to Mecca. Hundreds
and hundreds of men, women, and children from all over the world
(up to 2700 a day) walk in a line on a narrow trail within a flat
stony area about 1/2mile wide and 3 miles long which leads to the
foot of the glacier.
What makes this glacier so special is its proximity to the ocean and
the beautiful temperate rainforest that leads up to the glacial valley.
When we arrive at this very impressive mass of blue white ice and
look up into the deep U-shaped glacial valley that it inhabits, it is
surprisingly moving to be in its presence. Glaciers are a significant source of the worlds fresh water and to think that they are
disappearing gives one pause. It is estimated that the Franz Josef glacier will disappear within 100 years due to global warming.

At the bottom of the glacier wall (the terminus) there is a large cave like opening where a roaring milky grey river known as the Waiho rushes through the valley floor as if possessed by demons.

During to the walk to and from the charismatic glacier, you hear the constant whupping sound of helicopters flying over head bearing sightseers who were willing to pay between 2-300. NZ dollars for the experience.