March 28, 2024

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South Island: New Zealand in its purest form |  Blog Paco Nadal

South Island: New Zealand in its purest form | Blog Paco Nadal

Posts to choose from, many more I will stay on its west coast on the South Island, the wild and most beautiful area of ​​a country with its uniqueness of nature. The temperate forests extend as far as the Tasman Sea. Among them are several gigantic ice tongues: the Tasman Glacier, the largest of all, descending from Mount Cook and its tongue extending up to 27 kilometers. Or the Fox and Franz Joseph glaciers, smaller than that, but still a little more scenic.

Mount Cook on the South Island of New Zealand.

The Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers descend almost parallel to the Great Mass of Mount Cook, New Zealand’s summit, on the western slopes of the New Zealand Alps. Although they have been in decline for many years, they remain one of the South Island’s largest natural attractions.

To get to them, if you come from Queenstown and the south of the island, you have to cross a legendary mountain pass Host Pass already used by the Maori to advance through one of the most beautiful parts of the island. Passes through dense moist temperate forests protected under the image of the road Mount Aspring National Park. There are many viewing points and waterfalls. On the way down, you reach the small village of Hast, where the road turns north towards the glaciers along the coast. Only this part of the voyage justifies the voyage: on the one hand the dense temperate forest of the west coast, thanks in large part to the humidity of the sea; On the other hand, the roaring waves of the Tasman Sea collide with the rocks. And all around, a tremendous amount of loneliness and persecution ranges.

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View of the Franz Joseph Glacier.
View of the Franz Joseph Glacier.

You first come to Fox Glacier Township, a city with tourist services that appeared on the faade of the Fox Glacier. Take the T-Path (one hour and 20 minutes, tour) for a glacial tongue view. 10 years ago it was almost snowing; Today, unfortunately, it is even more distant. For more trainees there is another trail that climbs up to high meadows, from which there is an amazing view of the New Zealand Alps, glaciers and beach (8 hours, tour). A five minute drive from the villa, on a path full of trees and primary undergrowth, there is also a pleasant walk around Lake Madison.

Slope over Fox Glacier above Victoria Flat.
Slope over Fox Glacier above Victoria Flat.

Thirty minutes by car separates Fox from Franz Joseph Township, the city that grew on the face of the next glacier, with a slightly larger and heavier atmosphere. Frances Joseph is about 12 kilometers long and since 2008 it has experienced a sharp decline. The path to the front of the glacier was useless and it took another hour and a half (tour) starting from the car park (10 minutes by car from the center). ) For the final view you can see the glacier. There are many trails with little difficulty that allow you to explore the valley. In addition to demanding more, The Alex NaphtrockIt takes eight hours to hike (tour) and climb the Alpine meadow area with spectacular views of the glacier and the peaks of the New Zealand Alps.

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Milford Sound is another scenic spot on the west coast of the South Island.
Milford Sound is another scenic spot on the west coast of the South Island.

There are guide companies on both glaciers that offer walking and surveying the glacier on foot; They provide the necessary equipment (crumbs, ice molds, special gloves, waterproof ponchos) and expert guides for the greatest protection of the experience.

Just below the village, the Waiho River, formed by the melting of the glacier, forms three lakes near the shore, where many activities can take place. The largest of them is Mapurika, where kayaks and paddle surfboards are rented and boat rides arranged. There is also a so-called beach trail Three mile back track Okarito Coastal Walk It allows you to explore the most beautiful and wild part of the West Coast for three and a half hours.

Some practical information

How to get

There are no direct flights from Spain to New Zealand. If you go to the South Island, the Emirates flight is from Dubai with a stop in Christchurch (the capital of the island), Sydney (Australia). Cathay flies from Madrid in Pacific to Christchurch with only one stop in Hong Kong. There are Spanish travel agencies that specialize in this destination Travel to New Zealand Y Pacific Tours.

When to go

The seasons of the year change as New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere. The highest season and the best time, no doubt, is December to March to visit the islands, i.e. the southern summer. September and October (Australian spring) and April and May (Australian fall) are not bad times. It will be a little cold on the South Island.

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How to get around the country

Although public transportation is efficient, New Zealand is vast and most of its natural resources are inaccessible. One of the pleasures of the country is to abruptly stop at a place where you do not plan to enjoy the landscape, the mountains, the lake, or the sunset; That too is only possible if you go in your own vehicle. In fact, one of the most popular ways to get around the country is by motor home. There are many companies that rent these types of vehicles at all prices and sizes, and there are countless vehicles on both islands. Camps, Parking lots And authorized places to sleep in it. One of the cheapest motor home rental companies Juicy, There will be something like this Low price Of the department. Motorhome Republic The most effective motor home metasearch engine.