Franz josef glacier walk11/4/2023 Stretch your legs, explore the surrounds and get your camera ready. There are plenty of walking trails around the glaciers if you simply want to take in the majestic views from a distance. By flying in, you’ll be able to access some of the most spectacular parts of the glacier, amid blue ice and towering formations.Ĭheck out Fox Glacier Guides, Franz Josef Glacier Guides or The Helicopter Line for a glacier heli-hike.įor the truly intrepid, you can’t go past a multi-day glacier itinerary with an experienced tour company such as Alpine Recreation (opens in new window). Heli-hiking is another option, combining a breathtaking scenic flight with a guided tour atop the glacier. How does a day of ice climbing – scaling the upper glacier’s walls – sound? But don’t forget, that also means a more challenging hike. The longer the duration, the further up the glacier you can go. Whether you have a half day, full day or multiple days, there are varying lengths of tours to fit in with your schedule. (River crossings can include a short trip in an all terrain vehicle or a raft!) The concept is no different to normal hiking, but glacier hiking trots along at a slower pace, and you’ll have crampons on your boots for traction and a balancing pole. Getting out onto the ice doesn’t require previous experience with glacier hiking or mountaineering. You’ll learn about the glacier’s history, legends about the area and make your way along the valley to the terminal face. Many companies offer guided glacier walks – you’ll need at least a couple of hours at the very minimum.įor people with limited time or who would find walks onto the glacier too strenuous, there are gentler guided walks with companies like Glacier Valley that don’t venture out onto the ice. In contrast, access to the ice on Franz Josef is by helicopter only.įor more information about the region, visit .nz (opens in new window). Access is along the river valley floor, or by helicopter to reach the top section of the glacier. Fox Glacier is not as steep and is slightly longer. And if actually touching the ice is on your bucket list then a guided tour (with all equipment included) will allow you to get up onto the glacier face itself.īoth Fox and Franz Josef glaciers extend almost to sea level. You can follow the walking tracks up to the terminus of either glacier for a close up view or hike through the bush to a viewing point. There are opportunities to experience the glaciers for people with all levels of ability. New Zealand glacier country lies on the west coast of the South Island, where the two most accessible glaciers – Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier – are found. ![]() Operating from the Hermitage Hotel (opens in new window) in Mt Cook / Aoraki village, Glacier Explorers (opens in new window) is an experience of a life time, as the boat gets you close enough to touch huge glacier slabs of ice bergs and explore Tasman Glacial Lake, suitable for the entire family. Tick skiing down a glacier off your bucket list with Ski the Tasman (opens in new window). ![]() Take a scenic flight over the glacier with Air Safaris (opens in new window) or The Helicopter Line (opens in new window). Tasman Glacier is a must see when travelling to Mt Cook / Aoraki. Laying under New Zealand's tallest peak you'll find the longest glacier in the country.
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