Franz Josef to Haast

Back in the old days, Marketing campaigns and TV-commercials where not invented and people where seeking alternative ways to advertise themselves and be remembered. The Austrian emperor “Franz Josef” like other royals in Europe at that time, had a very interesting way on making sure that his name made it into history books. He funded a guy named Julius von Haast to explore New Zealand, and when Mr. Haast found a glacier that reminded him of the beard of his King, he just named it after him.

But beside that funny story  about how the glacier got its name it is one of the most remarkable sights New Zealand has to offer. I did a ¾ day hike around the Franz Josef glacier, with sometimes scary views into dangerous crevasses. The tour was very well organized and all the equipment was provided. Me – always trying to have it “may way” hiked up the glacier wearing a yellow jacket resulting in sticking out on every image that was taken with the whole group.

After the hike we drove all the way to Haast, where I had a lovely evening by the bonfire at the beach with 80 % pure Austrian Rum (and a German girl).