THE FOX GLACIER

Hokitika Guardian, 6 February 1928, Page 1

THE FOX GLACIER

IMPROVED ACCESS NECESSARY

A correspondent to the “Lyttelton Times ” writes very enthusiastically about the pristine glory of the Fox Glacier. The picture is not at all over painted. He offers very sound reasons why the access to this glorious beauty spot should be improved, and infers that the Tourist Department should take action. In the circumstances we cannot do better than reproduce the suggestions made in the hope that they will stimulate local interest and result in the great improvement outlined, being brought about. The report is as follows: Recently it was my good iortune to spend a day on tlie Fox Glacier, South Westland. I think it a matter of considerable importance that the attention of the Tourist Department be drawn to this glacier in order that the necessity

which now exists of making a long and arduous climb over the terminal moraine to view the glacier he removed. For many South Westland, culminates in and ends at Wailio. But not so. Seventeen miles further on, along a road which undoubtedly is the most magnificent part of the South Westland motor drive, lies the Fox Valley and Glacier and Cook’s Flat, where Nature has been oven more lavish than at Wailio. Such is my opinion, and ii is the opinion of several authors I have read. James Cowan, F.11.G.5., in his hook, “Travel in New Zealnad,” says: “Less frequented (than the Franz Josef) is the Fox Glacier, which is really a still more magnificent spectacle.” Miss Moreland, in “Through South Westland,” says: “I think its surroundings (those of the Fox Glacier) are grander than the Franz Josel.” I quote these opinions, not to establisli a superiority—for these is question of appreciation—but rather to show that the scenic grandeur of the Fox Glacier, claimed by many to rival and even to surpass that of the Franz Josef, warrants and calls for the comparatively small expenditure to effect the alterations T suggest below. I was interested to read that the Fox Glacier is larger than the Franz Josel. Its terminal face is only (57011 above sea-level. Its snowfields, which 1 understand are the largest in New Zealand, are adorned with peaks of an altitude of 10,000 ft. This majestic river of ice in its course of 9;| miles descends 9000 ft. It heaves and struggles and pounds and grinds against rocky cliffs

and moves ever downwards between the imposing and precipitous Kaisoriu Victoria and Chancellor Ridge on the right and the Fox range oil the lelt. Tlie glacier is about three miles from the Main South Road. The track up to where it strikes the river-bed—about half to three-quarters of a. mile below the glacier—is in good condition. It is free from broken metal, unitorm, and of gentle gradient. In fact, this part of the track can ho conveniently traversed on a bicycle. But for the visitor it is unfortunate and disappointing that from this point the track follows the hank of the river, for two reasons: (I) because in parts the track is obstructed by massive rocks and when tlq> river is high tho going is difficult; (-) because the track leads on to the glacier by the terminal moraine, which must he crossed before the clear ice is gained. Travelling over the moraine Is long and fatiguing, and the route taken calls for discretion. A magnificent sight repays the visitor for his efforts, who. I. am sure, longs that, lie could enjoy it with much less demand upon his physical energy. The moraine presents so formidable an aspect that numbers content themselves with a view trom the river-bed. whence only the moraine can be seen, and then return to say that thov have seen the Fox Glacier,

when in reality they have seen nothin" of its beauty and very little of its surroundings. What pity that the glories of this glacier can be seen only at such inconvenience. Yet the inconvenience could easily he done away with, tor it is due to the fact that the track approaches tlie glacier by the moraine. If a short spring bridge were erected over the river about the point where the track meets the river-bed and a new track cut round the hack of the ‘'Clone” so as to come out cm the dear ice, the termimtl moraine would no longer he a bugbear to visitors, and the popularity of the glacier would increase beyond measure. The Tourist Department is generally admitted to be the most progressive of tlie Government Departments, and it is to it tlie public look with confidence to effect these improvements. I loci sure that if the Department were to send a man to inspect and report on the locality in question, it would with good grace carry out the alterations .1 have suggested. Let us hope that even this year the Fox Valley will witness the activity ol the Tourist Department, so that next season the ever-increasing number of visitors and tourists to tlie paradise of .South Westland will have tlie opportunity of beholding with ease tlie unsurpassed grandeur of the I'ox Glacier and its surroundings.