Ice-Hiking in Franz-Josef

Waterfall on the way to Franz-Josef
see all photos »

After enjoying Queenstown so so much, i headed off on the shuttle bus to Franz-Josef. Lucky for me i met two lovely guys on the bus up there called Andy and Ben, and persuaded them to stay in the same hostel as me so that i wouldn't be too lonely. We got there late afternoon and after a shower and food, headed out to see what night life Franz Josef could offer us. We found a bar with a quiz going on and settled down to share a bottle of wine whilst laughing at the locals try and do the quiz.  The next day whilst they went off to do their hike, i relaxed in the spa pool and tried to ease the aching thighs i had due to the horseriding.  After that i dossed around and watched a film whilst it poured down (thank god i wasn't hiking that day!) After another quiet night i went off to do my ice-hike.  Up i went at 10.30, got my really attractive kit on (don't you just love the boots??!!) and started our walk up.  I was by myself but luckily i had a friendly guide so i just talked to him.  The glacier was so amazing, its hard to believe it's actually made out of ice-it looks like that would be impossible.

start of the glacier
see all photos »

We started the walk up the glacier-my thighs were so painful, and at first it wasn't that impressive because the glacier had a lot of rocks and dirt on it so you couldn't see all the really cool ice.  The further we got up though, the cooler is got, the ice got bluer and cleaner and the views around were fantastic! we stopped for a food break and then had a look at some of the ice passages and walked some more.  It was so amazing, really cold but so worth it.

Ice-hiking and rock-climbing is bad for your thighs after horseriding

Me in some seriously hot gear-boots, crampons and waterproof trousers
see all photos »

After an hour more it was time to start the walk/hike down.  This felt easier on me as i was imagining the hot spa waiting at the end for me.  We got down to the bottom, i rewarded myself with some chocolate for actually doing it, and it was then they told us that Franz-Josef glacier has been referred to as the hardest to climb! Nice one!  After changing into my normal clothes, the glacier guide asked if i wanted to go have a BBQ and go rock climbing with some of the guides.  Bargaining was done and in the end it was agreed that i would go but only if i only had to do one or two rock climbs.

Looking back down part of the glacier
see all photos »

I went, did some rock climbing, was rewarded with a steak sandwich and a beer and after a couple of hours went home, completely exhausted to sleep and get up the next morning to go back to Christchurch.