Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast, New ZealandFRANZ JOSEF GLACIER: "Originating high in the Southern Alps at 9800 feet, the Franz Josef Glacier traverses through the lush rain forest down to just 800 feet, which makes it one of the steepest glaciers in New Zealand. This steepness makes it one of the world’s fastest moving glaciers, traveling towards the sea at an astonishing average of three feet per day. This fast movement is responsible for creating the spectacular ice caves, tunnels, seracs, and crevasses that can be found on the glacier and make hiking the glacier such an amazing adventure."
HELI-HIKE: Determined the BEST way (not the cheapest way) for us to walk on the Glacier was to take a Helicopter up to the pristine ice.
Tour included: 3-hour experience included helicopter flight, glacier landing, and approximately 2 hours of guided glacier hiking with an expert guide. All safety gear provided including boots, crampons, and waterproof outerwear.
Sat in the back seats for the Helicopter ride. Great views flying up the valley and above the glacier.
Stepping out of the helicopter onto one of the New Zealand glaciers, instantly knew this was one of life’s magical moments. Once our group of ten were all together, the guide gave a safety briefing and we put on the gear.
New experience using crampons and walking on a glacier. Walking was a bit of a challenge, and being much older than the rest of the group we were a bit slower. Our guide was very helpful and patient to make sure no one would get hurt. Everything was so white compared to what we saw yesterday.
Sat in the back seats for the Helicopter ride. Great views flying up the valley and above the glacier.
Stepping out of the helicopter onto one of the New Zealand glaciers, instantly knew this was one of life’s magical moments. Once our group of ten were all together, the guide gave a safety briefing and we put on the gear.
New experience using crampons and walking on a glacier. Walking was a bit of a challenge, and being much older than the rest of the group we were a bit slower. Our guide was very helpful and patient to make sure no one would get hurt. Everything was so white compared to what we saw yesterday.
Ice Cave Tunnel Experience: Came to a small tunnel-like ice cave that our guide asked if we wanted to go through. Not the big huge one from yesterday's poster, but ok we're game for doing this (plus our niece said how cool it was when she did this). Randy went in one end and when he got to the other end, the hole wasn't large enough for him to get out and had to turn around and go back.
I went next. Oh my gosh, this is small, had to get on by stomach to go through. Gave myself a little push and zoom, it was like tobogganing. As I hear Randy say, "she just went by the exit hole," I went head first in a shallow pool of water. Don't think this was on the plan. Luckily, there was enough room to turn around and crawl back to the exit hole.The guide was understandably totally worried; this had never happened to anyone before.
I went next. Oh my gosh, this is small, had to get on by stomach to go through. Gave myself a little push and zoom, it was like tobogganing. As I hear Randy say, "she just went by the exit hole," I went head first in a shallow pool of water. Don't think this was on the plan. Luckily, there was enough room to turn around and crawl back to the exit hole.The guide was understandably totally worried; this had never happened to anyone before.
A little wet with boots full of water, but ready to continue. None of the rest of the group would go through after that. (Not until later did I think about how dangerous this could have been had there been a deep crevasse).
Would I do it again, absolutely - just crawl, don't slide.
Would I do it again, absolutely - just crawl, don't slide.
The more we walked, the more amazing the sights: bright blue color of the ice, intricate archways, crevasses, ice columns, and icy rivers.
Then we arrived at the large ice cave we imagined. Perfect for the most awesome photos!
To truly understand the grandeur and beauty of a glacier, a walk on its ice is a Must.
Hurray, sat in the front seat on the way back. What a way to end the tour.
To truly understand the grandeur and beauty of a glacier, a walk on its ice is a Must.
Hurray, sat in the front seat on the way back. What a way to end the tour.
Money well spent for the most
Awesome Adventure Experience Ever!
Awesome Adventure Experience Ever!
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2025-05-22