Franz Josef

Named by explorer Julius von Haast in 1865 for the emperor of his native Austria Hungary, Franz Josef is the shorter and steeper of the two glaciers; it descends the western slope of the Southern Alps some 11 km/7 miles to terminate about 300 meters/980 feet above sea level.

If you approach from the north, you'll get your first view of the glacier from across Lake Mapourika. Another vista comes as you cross Tatare Bridge north of town. Closer views loom above the THC Franz Josef Hotel grounds and from Glacier Road, which branches off Highway 6 just south of the Waiho River.

After you've stopped at the park visitor center, be sure to visit nearby St. James' Church to see the alpine view framed in the chancel window.

If you have time for only one walk, take the Terrace Track through the rain forest to historic Callery Gorge, stop at the warm springs, and return along the Waiho River. A booklet, available at the visitor center, describes natural features and points out traces remaining from gold mining days on the Waiho.

From Glacier Road, a 5 minute walk leads to Peters Pool, a "kettle" lake with a glacier reflection. You can continue on the Douglas Track past the swing bridge over the Waiho, then return through bush and moraine areas to the road.