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Glaciers on the West Coast

The Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are the most low-lying glaciers of their type in the world, and one of New Zealand's major tourist attractions. Franz Josef - the first glacier heading south - is about 10 kilometres long, dropping from 2700 metres to 300 metres above sea level. The Fox Glacier, about 14 kilometres long, drops from 2750 metres above sea level to about 245 metres. Both glaciers are fed from the same neve (snow catchment area), which is located on a plateau high in the Southern Alps. The neve is up to 300 metres deep and forces its huge mass down under gravity. As the glacier moves the intense pressure it creates opens up crevices and splits in the ice. Guided or self-guided walks are available along with scenic flights.

Tour Operators Include:
  • Air Safaris
    Freephone 0800 723 274
    Scenic flights over Mount Cook and Westland National Parks, and views of 12 major glaciers and the Main Divide.
  • Alpine Adventure Centre
    Freephone 0800 800 793
    Glacier flights and snow landings. Hunting and fishing options also available.
  • Franz Josef Glacier Guides
    Freephone 0800 484 337
    Professional guides provide half-day and full-day climbs, and heli-hikes.
  • New Zealand Scenic Helicopter Flights
    Freephone 0800 800 732
    Heli-tours of Queenstown, Mount Cook and the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.
  • Over the Top
    Ffreephone 0800 800 793 for flights, freephone 0800 111 600 for guided walks
    Half-day guided walks of the Fox Glacier, and scenic flights.
For further information contact:

Tourism West Coast
Level 1, 112 Mackay Street
Greymouth
Phone 03 768 6633 Fax 03 768 7680
Email info@west-coast.co.nz
Web: www.west-coast.co.nz

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