glacier walking
Take a hike on a massive river of
ice sliding inexorably down the precipitous slopes of the
Southern Alps.
Glacier walking is one of New Zealands top attractions.
Experienced guides can lead you into an alien world of
blue-tinged ice caves, seracs and pinnacles on the Franz Josef
and Fox Glaciers on the South Islands West Coast. These two
glaciers are modern-day wonders extending from vast nevé basins
under the main divide of the Southern Alps down to a remarkably
low altitude of 250 metres above sea level, in the temperate
rainforest zone.
The guiding companies provide all necessary equipment including
boots, socks, crampons, raincoat and alpenstock. They also
transport you to the terminal face of the glaciers. You can
choose between half day, full day, heli-hike or full day alpine
heli-hike options, along with ice climbing, mountaineering and
glacier skiing. The half day walk requires a moderate level of
fitness and the more adventurous full day walk calls for a good
endurance level. The heli-hike combines an awesome helicopter
flight over the glacier with a 2˝ hour guided walk, exploring
the maze of pristine ice formations and caves on the upper
glacier. The alpine heli-hike is virtually a mountaineering trip,
and culminates in summiting a 2000 metre peak.
Crunching through the awesome glacial landscape is a real buzz.
It could be one of your New Zealand holiday highlights.
Dont miss it!
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