Full day hike with Franz Josef Glacier Guides

Franz Josef Glacier is a sight to behold.
From its origins in the Southern Alps, the glacier descends deep into the lush rainforest of the Westland National Park.

It’s spectacular to look at, but imagine how cool it would be to walk on it. It’s only once you step on it that you realise just how big the thing is. This is one huge chunk of ice. But to be more accurate, it’s a constantly moving chunk of ice, which is ever-changing in size and shape. It’s actually the steepest and fastest flowing commercially guided glacier in the world, to be exact.
Franz Josef Glacier Guides makes sure there are freshly-cut steps and tracks formed in the ice every day, so you can be sure you’re in safe hands.

They offer a range of trips – starting with a glacier valley walk up to the dramatic terminal face of the glacier, a half-day glacier experience, a three-quarter glacier explorer trip, or a full-day glacier adventure. They also offer a heli-hike, where you land high up on the glacier and go on a two hour guided hike amongst some of the most breath-taking glacier scenery.

I opted for the full-day glacier adventure, which gives a total of five hours on the ice. First up, we were kitted out with our all-important equipment which we’d need to tackle the conditions on the glacier. We were given a Goretex rain-jacket, waterproof over-trousers, woollen hats and gloves, woollen socks and leather boots. And of course, the most important piece of equipment was a set of ice talonz, so we could grip our feet on the ice.
Then we jumped on the bus and headed off towards the base of the glacier, where our adventure would begin.

After a short walk through regenerating rainforest, the trip continued along the glacier valley towards the base. As we got closer and closer, it was mind-blowing to see just how huge it was, towering above us as far as the eye could see. The fact that we were about to scale up it was slightly daunting, but also very exciting.
Our guide went ahead of us, cutting steps into the ice, so we had a steady ascent upwards. It was amazing to see the spectacular and challenging ever-changing terrain.
The best bits were when we had to squeeze through tight blue crevasses, slide through ice caves and shuffle down near vertical walls of ice.

It was an amazing day and such a great way to appreciate the magnitude of the glacier up close. And you don’t have to be super fit, just as long as you’ve got a lust for life and a real zest for adventure, you’ll be sweet, mate.

• The Franz Josef Glacier is the most spectacular commercially-guided glacier in New Zealand.
• Franz Josef Glacier Guides has more than 15 years guiding experience on the glacier.
• Don’t forget to wear two to four warm upper body layers, quick drying trousers or shorts (no jeans), food and drink for the day and of course, your sunglasses, sunscreen and camera.

• For more information call 03 752 0763, or Freephone 0800 484 337, or email walks@franzjosefglacier.com or visit www.franzjosefglacier.com
• For Heli Hike bookings contact The Helicopter Line on 0800 807 767.

Rachel stayed at YHA Franz Josef at 2-4 Cron St , Franz Josef.
For more details call 03 752 0754.