Glacier tourism in New Zealand has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the late 19th century. The country’s stunning glaciers, such as the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers on the South Island, have long been a major draw for visitors seeking to witness the beauty of these natural wonders up close.
The history of glacier tourism in New Zealand can be traced back to the early days of European exploration and settlement. In the late 19th century, explorers and adventurers began to venture into the rugged and remote West Coast region of the South Island, where the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers are located. These intrepid travelers were drawn to the glaciers by their sheer size and dramatic beauty, and word of their splendor soon spread, attracting more visitors to the area.
One of the key figures in the early development of glacier tourism in New Zealand was Austrian mountaineer Julius von Haast, who explored the region in the 1860s and played a major role in popularizing the glaciers among the international climbing community. Von Haast’s efforts helped to establish the first guided tours to the glaciers, making them more accessible to visitors from around the world.
By the early 20th century, glacier tourism in New Zealand had become a well-established industry, with hotels, lodges, and guided tour operators catering to the growing number of visitors flocking to the glaciers each year. The opening of the Trans-Alpine railway in 1914 further boosted tourism to the region, making it easier for travelers to reach the glaciers and sparking a boom in visitor numbers.
Over the decades, glacier tourism in New Zealand has continued to evolve and expand, with new attractions and activities being introduced to cater to the changing tastes of visitors. Today, visitors to the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers can enjoy a wide range of experiences, from guided glacier hikes and helicopter tours to ice climbing and glacier kayaking.
Despite the challenges posed by climate change and the retreat of the glaciers in recent years, glacier tourism in New Zealand remains a thriving industry, attracting thousands of visitors each year who come to marvel at the beauty and grandeur of these ancient ice formations. The history of glacier tourism in New Zealand is a testament to the enduring appeal of these natural wonders and the determination of visitors to experience them firsthand.