Glacier Walks - Glacier Guides Franz Josef
About
Description
Franz Josef Glacier Guides are an internationally recognized guiding operation, established in 1990, that prides itself on providing the most incredible glacier experience.
Combining traditional guiding techniques unique to New Zealand with modern innovations we are able to access glacier terrain normally only seen by experienced mountaineers.
We make a clear commitment to our clients, that a trip with us is the most spectacular and rewarding available.
From its origins high in the Southern Alps, the Franz Josef Glacier descends deep into the lush rainforest of Westland’s National Park, from a height of 2700m above sea level to only 240m in as little as 11 km, making it the worlds steepest and fastest flowing commercially guided glacier.
It is the rugged gradient of the Franz Josef Glacier that ensures our clients enjoy the most dramatic glacier scenery available to the general public anywhere in the world.
Glacier Valley Walk
Ice time - 0 hours
Difficulty level - Easy
Franz Josef Glacier at its most dynamic! Your Glacier Valley Walk will take you up alongside the mighty Waiho River bed following the glaciers path of retreat in this remarkable landscape. Here you will learn about the glacier’s history, see what is left behind by this majestic giant, and learn the legend of Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere. Near the terminal face, you will cross over the public barriers. After a brief climb you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the rapidly changing terminal face of the glacier. There has never been a more extraordinary time to visit Franz Josef Glacier.
Ice Explorer
Ice time - 3 hours
Difficulty level - Moderate
This is a fantastic introduction to an enthralling world of ice. A short heli hop from the township takes you into the remarkable Pinnacles area of the glacier. Here your guide will navigate you through a maze of ice and explain the dramatic environmental changes over the last few years. You will explore the awe-inspiring landscape in this incredible experience through Franz Josef Glacier.
Heli Hike
Ice time - 2 hours
Difficulty level - Moderate
After an exciting scenic flight, you land high up on the glacier and undertake a two hour guided hike amongst some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring glacier scenery available.
Your guide chooses the route as you go and with an eye for the most spectacular ice formations you’ll soon be making your way through a wonderland of towering pinnacles and brilliantly blue ice.
You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and with plenty of photo opportunities and the chance to learn more about this magnificent glacier, this will almost certainly be your most memorable experience whilst in New Zealand.
Trip Includes
- Guided walk
- Ice time varies with the option chosen
- Professional and experienced guides
- All equipment provided (glacier boots, socks, ice crampons, an ice axe, waterproof jacket)
- Scenic helicopter flight (Ice Explorer & Heli Hike only)
- Free entry into the public Glacier Hot Pools (Ice Explorer hikers only)
Duration
- Glacier Valley Walk - allow 3 hours (0 hours ice time)
- Ice Explorer - allow 4 hours (3 hours ice time)
- Heli Hike - allow 3 hours (2 hours ice time)
Departures
- Glacier Valley Walk - 10.15am & 2.15pm
- Ice Explorer - 8.15am, 9am, 10.40am & 11.25am
- Heli Hike - 9.15am, 11.45am & 2.15pm (10.15am & 12.45pm in winter)
- Your hikes depart from Franz Josef Glacier Guide base, situated on the main road of Franz Josef
Other Information
- Reasonable level of fitness required for Ice Explorer
- Minimum age is 6 years for Glacier Valley Walk, 8 years for the Heli Hike & 12 years for the Ice Explorer
- Check out Ice Climbing in Franz Josef
- Provided - gortex rain jackets, waterproof overtrousers, hats and gloves, socks, glacier boots
- Please BRING THESE: warm upper body clothing (preferably 3 to 4 layers), leggings or light trousers (although shorts are acceptable), sunglasses, sunscreen, waterproof jacket (one will be provided if you don't have one), a sense of fun and adventure!
- Please check out the Youtube video at the top of this listing for more information