Franz Josef Glacier, or, as its known in local Māori legends, Kā Roimata ō Hine Hukatere (the frozen tears of Hine Hukatere). From its origins high in the Southern Alps, the Franz Josef Glacier (Kā Roimtata ō Hine Hukatere) descends into the lush native rainforest of Westland's National Park. This descent occurs from a height of 3,000m above sea level to 240m over a distance of 11km, making it one of the steepest glaciers in the country.