Most memorable day of our trip

We joined a group of 12 other travellers for an eight hour hike up the Franz Joesf Glacier - and it was by far and away one of the most amazing days of my round the world trip. Donning a rather attractive pair of crampons, ice pick in hand, I followed our fantastic professional guide up and across the glacier in the beautiful sunshine. This really is a trip for the adventurous, as our guide was literally hacking steps out of the ice. We crawled under ice caves, and through narrow passes - all before sitting down for lunch at the top of Franz Josef. An unforgettable day out!

Great for: Hiking/Camping

Last Visit: February 2005

19 April 2007 | A Yahoo! User

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Heli Hike in Franz Jozef

Without question one of the best things I have done in New Zealand. This is almost worth the trip to NZ alone. Yes its a little expensive 600 NZ Dollars for 2 people. (about 120 GBP) but its a great way of getting to a high part of the glacier without the long walk! The helicopter rides takes about 15 minutes max, the pilot giving you some information on the way. It then lands on the glacier!!! A great experience. As you leave the chopper you walk carefully to an area away from the noise of the chopper and get your cramp ons on. All the kit is provided to you, and is included in the price. Once the cramp ons are on, you are ready to begin your walk. You go on a two hour loop (accompanies by in our case an excellent guide, who gives you information about the glacier and the environment). You see blue lakes, caves and crevasses. Its really not something you should miss if you come to NZ. We did this with a company called the Helicopter line. 100% recommended

Great for: Hiking/Camping

Last Visit: december 2005

2 January 2006 | A Yahoo! User

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Climbing Franz Joseph Glacier

We recently did the 6hr Franz Joseph Glacier walk and what an experience!! We were bussed to the carpark at the base of the glacier (10mins from town) having been decked out in the proper boots, jacket, gloves and beanie (for the top of the glacier as it can get chilly) and the most important piece of equiptment the Talonzs for walking on the glacier. Walking thru the lush rainforest it seemed odd to think just up ahead was a huge icey glacier. After quite a steep climb we reached the base of the glacier, strapped on our talonzs which easily go onto your boots which by the way are supplied with lovely clean woolen sox as part of the cost. You can see tiny dots way up the glacier which are other groups of climbers, really puts it into perspective, we were about to become one of those dots!! You do need a reasonable level of fitness as it is fairly heavy going in parts, but definitely worth doing.

6 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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