Nestled within the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s stunning West Coast, Franz Josef Glacier stands as a breathtaking testament to the beauty and power of nature. But beyond its icy facade lies a story of love, loss, and the eternal mark left by grief. This is the tale of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, the original Māori name for Franz Josef Glacier, which means “the tears of the ice maiden”.
The adventurous spirit of Hine Hukatere
Long ago when the world was still young, there lived a young woman alpinist now known as Hine Hukatere. She was known far and wide for her strength, courage, and insatiable love for climbing. The towering maunga (mountains) of the Southern Alps called to her, and she would often ascend their peaks, seeking solace and joy among the rugged heights.
A love born by the moana
During a respite from her mountainous adventures, Hine Hukatere met Wawe, a handsome and charming member of the seaside iwi. The two were drawn to each other, and their love blossomed quickly. Hine, however, missed the maunga that had always been her true home, and she longed to share their magnificence with Wawe.
A tragic climb
Hine convinced Wawe to join her on a climbing expedition. Though Wawe was not as experienced or passionate about the mountains, he agreed, wanting to please his beloved. As they traversed the ranges where Franz Josef Glacier now lies, disaster struck. Wawe, struggling to keep up with Hine, slipped and tragically fell into a crevasse. Hine watched in horror as her lover tumbled to his death, powerless to save him.
Grief carved in ice
Her heart was shattered by the loss of Wawe and her grief was so profound that her tears flowed endlessly down the mountainside. The gods, moved by her sorrow, froze her tears to create a perpetual memorial to her love and loss. These frozen tears formed the colossal river of ice that we now know as Franz Josef Glacier.
The legacy of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere
Today, as you walk along the Franz Josef Glacier valley floor beside the Waiho River, you are treading on the path of Hine Hukatere’s grief. The Waiho River, which flows directly from the glacier, is said to be the continuous flow of her tears, still mourning her lost love.
Franz Josef Glacier, with its ancient ice and majestic presence, is more than just a natural wonder; it's a living story, a legend passed down through generations. The glacier stands as a testament to the enduring love Hine Hukatere had for Wawe and the gods’ compassion, reminding all who visit of the powerful forces of nature and emotion intertwined in its creation.
When you visit Franz Josef Glacier, our guides will share this story with you, take a moment to reflect on the legend of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere and deepen your connection to this extraordinary landscape.