The Franz Josef Glacier is a natural tourist attraction that brings in thousands of visitors to the South Island of New Zealand annually. A great way to explore this natural phenomenon is by taking a trip with Glacier Helicopters. This type of trip gives you a different perspective on the area of the Franz Josef Glacier and the Waiho River.
As the ice melts, the Waiho River flows down the mountain side and year after year the river continues to be aggrading about 300mm each year.
As you look down the left you can see that the Waiho River is not far above the town and flooding is of great concern. Quite a few years ago, banks were built to stop the towns from being flooded but as Franz Josef Glacier continues to melt and the run...
... off flows into the Waiho River, these banks are weakening.
Not only is the Franz Josef Glacier of concern, but the heavy rainfall this area of the South Island receives could cause the Waiho River to flood or create a landslide destroying the dam upstream. The river races through Westland National Park at a good speed and the temperature of the water is extremely cold which could cause a lot of damage to this town if a flood occurred.
Steps are being taken to prevent such a disaster but it may not be enough if mother nature decides to take the wrong course.
Braided Waiho River coming from the Franz Josef Glacier, Westland National Park, West Coast, South Island, New Zealand.
As far as you can see across the landscape, you can see the Waiho River flowing from Franz Josef Glacier on the South Island of New Zealand.
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