Shelving in the valley floor deep beneath the glacier causes cracking, upheaval and deep ravines in the glacier surface, creating a dramatic and potentially dangerous frozen landscape. This effect, combined with the high snowfall feeding the top of the glacier, means the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers flow around ten times faster than most valley glaciers. The movement is lubricated by ice that melts under pressure between the glacier and the steep valley floor. This ice slides down hill to the more level river valley below, where it is still 300 metres thick. The snow is compacted at the top of the glacier into blue ice hundreds of metres deep. It is fed by four alpine glaciers that receive around 30 metres of snowfall each year. Here are some facts to help you get the picture: Over its 13 kilometre length, the Fox glacier plummets 2,600 metres from high in the Southern Alps. The sheer enormity of both glaciers is very humbling. You can also take in the view of magnificent Fox Glacier from Cook Flat Road (on your way to Lake Matheson). The temperate climate at this low altitude means these glaciers are among the most convenient to visit in the world. An easy walk is available to the foot of Franz Josef Glacier along the river valley with steep sides bearing gigantic horizontal scars from when the glaciers have retreated and advanced over millennia. Remember: take only photos, leave only footprints.While glaciers around the world are retreating, the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers still flow almost to sea level. One of New Zealand’s official Great Walks, this one has a great claim to fame: it is a walk through paradise. The highlight of the park, through, is the 53-kilometre Abel Tasman Coast Track. You can camp out under the moon, stay in a posh lodge, swim, kayak, fly, do a short walk or a long one, try canyoning, go sailing, visit more waterfalls, paddle a waka, or just laze on one stunning beach after another. What else can I do in Abel Tasman National Park?Ībel Tasman National, set at the north end of Aotearoa New Zealand’s South Island in the Nelson Tasman district, is the smallest national park in New Zealand, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on things to do, and there are so many nearby attractions.Ībel Tasman National park is famous for its golden sandy beaches (hence Golden Bay) and incredible granite cliffs, as well as wildlife like bottlenose dolphins, little blue penguin and the huge colonies of New Zealand fur seals at Separation Point. But autumn, when it’s still warm but less busy than in the peak summer months, is probably the best time to walk the track. ![]() The Wainui Falls Track is gorgeous in summer, and the hotter months are the best when it comes to jumping in the chilly water. When is the best time to visit the Wainui Falls Track? One of the largest snails on earth, some of them are up to nine centimeters across! They like to eat earthworms, and will suck them in through their mouths, kind of like spaghetti. There is some amazing wildlife on the Wainui Falls track – keep an eye out for the Powelliphanta snail. Is there wildlife on the Wainui Falls track? Fido will have to do her walking elsewhere. ![]() No dogs are allowed on the track – dogs are prohibited in Abel Tasman National Park by the National Parks Act. Kids of all ages love to check it out, and it’s a pretty cool spot for parents too. There is also a wonderful swing bridge near the falls, with a jumble of granite boulders and old logs beneath it, the result of historic flooding of the Wainui River. The native bush, a magical mix of rata trees, nikau palms and ferns, feels like hobbit territory – stop along the way and look for trolls. It’s not a difficult walk, so it’s great for families, although there are some steep drop offs, so you’ll want to keep your wee ones close. Is the Wainui Falls track suitable for children? ![]() (Tracks in New Zealand are often estimated in “DOC time” – look for the green and yellow sign at any track entrance for an estimate of how long it will take.) The Wainui Falls Track is a 3.4 kilometre round trip at walking pace (it’s an out and back on the same track), and is rated ‘Easy’ by the Department of Conservation.ĭOC estimates it to be a one hour and twenty minute walk, though many people report that it doesn’t take quite that long. There are also many places along the walk where you can stop for a dip in the river. It’s also quite cold – one visitor on Trip Advisor called swimming in it “not for the faint of heart”. There is a plunge pool at the base of Wainui Falls, and you can have a swim there, though mind the current. If you’re coming from further afield, it’s about a two-hour drive from Nelson to the car park. There’s a sign about 300 metres past the Wainui River Bridge. The trail begins at the Wainui Bay car park.
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