Snapshots from Franz Josef Glacier

New Zealand is beautiful every which way you look at it: the mountains, the lakes and even glaciers! And, we got to walk on one. I mean, how often do you get to say, I walked a glacier today? Well on this day, we did. 

Franz Josef is a small town. Then again, any town in New Zealand is pretty small with one major intersection, a handful of restaurants, a mini mart, cafe and gas station nestled beneath the snow capped mountains.

franz josef town

We arrived late afternoon, checked into our hostel and decided to wander a bit before grabbing dinner and calling it a night. It was a long drive from Blenheim. The next morning, we dropped by the Franz Josef Glacier Guide company and started our half-day tour.

franz josef glacier guides

It’s a short bus ride up the mountain before we all got out and started walking. We trekked through some forest and bushes before making it to the clearing to see the glacier.

IMG_3320

Don’t be fooled by the distance — the glacier is a lot farther than it looks. And even though the walk was on flat surface over gravel and rocks, some people didn’t make it pass this point.

IMG_3337

We eventually made it to the bottom of the starting point for our climb. A mini mountain of rocks, with narrow and steep pathway had us panting for breath. It was tougher getting to the glaciers than I initially anticipated.

Once at the foot of the glacier, our tour began. We were briefed on how to put on our perfect shoes similar to non slip shoes, things to avoid and other things to look out for.

IMG_3345

Glacier conditions change every single day, so guides have to pick down the trails to ensure safety for the group.

IMG_3371      IMG_3381

When you get to the ice portion, it’s time to switch your shoes for some scary & stylish crampons.

franz josef glacier

IMG_3363      IMG_3364

 Then it’s ice ice baby time from there.

IMG_3453

IMG_3445

IMG_3437
IMG_3413

IMG_3411

Kind of reminds you of Middle Earth.

IMG_3439

We also stumbled upon the Kea aka the green curious mountain parrot that likes to steal things when you’re not looking.

kea bird franz josef

If you’re looking for a good workout, you can even climb these ice walls.

IMG_3395

Coming back down you’ll see the view of the valley… Most of this used to be covered in ice… Now sadly it’s fading away. Product of global warming?

IMG_3427

After a day hiking the glacier, it’s relaxing to wind down and relax your muscles at the Glacier Hot Pools back in town.

IMG_3465 

Q was pretty tired towards the end of the hike, so we’re glad we took the half-day package (plus we saved some money too).

Looking back, we got a good taste of the glacier hiking experience, but it would’ve been nice to get higher and deeper into the belly of the beast.

How about you? Does glacier hiking sound like something you’d want to do?

 

 

You might like:

Share and Enjoy

Pinterest

, , ,

Email
Pinterest