Franz Josef Glacier can be found on the Westcoast of the South Island of New Zealand. Located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park the glacier was named after emperor Franz Josef I of Austria by the German geologist Julius von Hasst in 1865. Franz Josef Glacier is at about 10 kilometres long and descends from the Southern Alps to 300 metres above sea level. Over 150.000 years ago the glacier even enclosed Mount Cook and the surrounding mountains. Franz Josef Glacier is furthermore a warm glacier, meaning that it is at its melting temperature throughout the year. Supported by waterfalls serving as lubricants it flows half a metre per day.
