53
52
just outside of Hokitika, and
enroute to The Glaciers, is an
exhilarating
treetop walkway
that should not be missed.
Tranquil
Lake Mahinapua
is 10km's south of Hokitika
and has a DOC campsite. The
water is surprisingly warm.
Fishing, canoeing, bird spotting,
mountain biking and the many
walks are popular here.
The
Hokitika Gorge is 33km's
from Hokitika. It is a short
walk from the carpark to a
viewing platform overlooking
unbelievable turquoise water.
Walk a little further across a
swing bridge to get closer to
the stunning blue river and
the sheer granite ravine. For a
beautiful scenic driving loop,
go to the Gorge, through dairy
country, around Lake Kaniere
visiting Dorothy Falls along the
way and home to Hokitika.
While the South Islands West
Coast is well known for its
magnificent scenery and
glaciers no visit to the area is
complete without experiencing
Shantytown Heritage Park.
The discovery of gold in
1864 led to a population
"explosion" - from around 300
to almost 30,000 residents.
Isolation, rugged terrain and
extreme weather conditions
produced fascinating stories
of fortitude and ingenuity.
This social history, as well as
the importance of steam and
early technology to the Coast's
development, is told through
displays at Shantytown.
The town's peaceful setting,
with its native forest backdrop
gives visitors the opportunity
to step to an earlier time,
experience a range of activities
and view fascinating relics from
days gone by.
THE GLACIERS
The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
are of particular interest in that
they are the most low-lying of
their type in the world.
Franz Josef is the first glacier
on the southwards route.
The glacier plunges down from
2700m to only 300m above sea
level. Franz Josef and Fox
Glacier are both fed from the
same neve (snow catchment
area) which is located on a
plateau high in the Southern
Alps. The neve is up to 300m
deep and forces its huge mass
down under gravity. As the
glacier has moved intense
pressures have caused crevices
and splits in the ice of up to
100m deep.
Maori legend claims the glaciers
are formed from the frozen
tears of the mythical goddess
Hinemoa whose lover fell to his
death while they were climbing
together in the mountains.
Hokitika
Glaciers
Contact us today Chris and Cushla
Franz Josef Glacier P: 03 752 0177 E: franzjosef@foursquare-si.co.nz
www.foursquare.co.nz
"always looking after the Locals and our travelling friends"
Right in the heart of town - Open 7 days 7.45am till dark
Don't stock up before you arrive, we are your one stop shop, for
everything you need & more...
· A large range of your everyday Groceries requirements
· Extensive options of Beer & Wine from NZ & beyond
· Fresh breads baked everyday by the team in our In-store Bakery
· Fresh fruit, vegetables & a great selection of fresh meats
· Yummy offerings of "Ready to Go" meal ideas
· Made fresh daily, sandwiches, rolls, sushi & good old Kiwi pie!
· Chilled Dairy, Deli & Frozen foods
· Magazines, Stationery & household Hardware range
· South Westland's ONLY lucky
LOTTO
outlet
FRANZ JOSEF
GLACIER - Main
State Highway 6
[0800 423 262]
[www.glacierkayaks.com]
FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER
OF YOU IN
ACTION!
FREE PHOTOS
A unique kayaking
experience, on a glacial lake!
Glide effortlessly across
mirror-like water and enjoy
unbeatable views of the
surrounding mountains and
glaciers!
You'll also explore a unique
KIWI SANCTUARY,
home to the rarest kiwi on
the planet!
· Up to 3 hours on the lake,
with transport provided
Located at the Rainforest Retreat, 46 Cron St, Franz Josef