Franz Josef Glacier Hike

Ki Ora Guys, (NZ for Hello people),

Today we went on a Helicopter to the Franz Josef Glacier and it was " sweet as" and "Awesome" - phrases we hear a lot in NZ!

First we had to get kitted up - walking boots and thick socks, waterproof trousers and coat, hat, gloves, sunnies and crampons for our shoes. We both looked pretty funny!

It was our first time in a helicopter and we enjoyed it very much - not at all scary! It took 6 minutes until we landed on the Glacier. We had to land on the Glacier quite high up because recently a huge hole has developed in the glacier and the only way to hike on it is via helicopter!

Our guide for our 3 hour hike was called Jimmy and was very laid back!
There were 8 of us on the hike. First lesson was walking in crampons- which is a bit like a cowboy who had  been on a horse for too long!
The hiking was good fun and we both loved it. Occasionally we went into ice caves and through narrow tunnels which were great. Other parts of the hike were really steep and we needed a rope to climb up or down. The guide went first and cut steps into the ice with his ice-pick.

The glacier was amazingly beautiful and at times the whole experience felt very surreal.
It was 4 degrees and you get quite warm whilst hiking but it was cold when we were standing around waiting for our helicopter to arrive.

When we returned to land, we spent the next 90 minutes unwinding in the local hot glacier pools which are outside. There were 3 pools (36, 38 and 40 degrees). We stayed here until we were half baked and then we had a lovely dinner of NZ lamb.

Such an awesome day!!