ICE BREAKER
Franz Josef Glacier, South Island, New Zealand
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INTRODUCING FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER
In the world of glaciers, Franz Josef is something of a rock star.
Meet Franz Josef Glacier, or, as its known in local Māori legends, Kā Roimata-a-Hine Hukatere (the frozen tears of Hine Hukatere).
From its origins high in the Southern Alps, the Franz Josef Glacier (Kā Roimata-a-Hine Hukatere) descends into the lush native rainforest of Westland's National Park. This descent occurs from a height of 3,000m above sea level to 240m over a distance of 11km, making it one of the steepest glaciers in the country.
It also moves faster than your average glacier at over 50cm per day, although speeds of up to four metres per day have been recorded in the main ice fall sections.
This creates some truly incredible features in the glacier such as ice caves, tunnels, seracs and crevasses; all of which are constantly changing and evolving so no two days are ever the same. The guides craft their way through the terrain using their ice axe to find the most impressive glacier features and safest hike route.
Glaciologists consider Franz Josef to be a 'rock star' because of these factors and also because the glacier is readily accessible being located in a temperate rain forest. In fact, it has the lowest terminal face elevation of any glacier that flows into a temperate rainforest in the world - that's pretty special!
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GLACIER HELI HIKE
This world-renowned Glacier Heli Hike is not to be missed.
Please note: This tour is operated by The Helicopter Line, with guided services provided by Franz Josef Glacier Guides. Daily departures at 11am and 1.30pm.
With the combination of an exhilarating helicopter ride, jaw-dropping scenery and a two hour hike through the most spectacular glacier features, it's no wonder visitors often label their Glacier Heli Hike as the highlight of their visit to Aotearoa (New Zealand).
Your journey starts and ends at The Helicopter Line Base, situated on the Main Road (State Highway 6), Franz Josef Glacier, 7856. On arrival the friendly team will check you in, get you kitted out with the essential gear and give you a pre-trip briefing.
From here, your highly trained guide will take you to the heli pad and get you ready to board your helicopter. Adrenaline levels start to spike as you board your helicopter and are whisked away over the jaw dropping landscape - an opportunity to take in the full panoramic majesty of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere nestled within the surrounding mountains.
Your pilot will land you high up on the glacier itself, where your guide will help you make the final preparations for your hike before you head off to explore the pristine features of this incredible icescape.
The guides are highly skilled, which means their can find you both the safest and most spectacular route available on the glacier. Because the glacier is so fast moving, its features are constantly changing - you might find yourself sliding through a narrow crevasse or between towering walls of ice, crawling through blue ice tunnels, hanging out in ice caves, or witnessing the glacier calving. You can be sure that you're seeing the glacier in a unique state and no two trips are ever quite the same.
During your hike your guide will share with you the story of Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, their knowledge of the glacier and surrounding area and insight on why Franz Josef is so unique. You'll come away from your trip not only with a sense of awe at this majestic beauty, but a whole new understanding of why this precious landmark is so special.
THE GUIDING TEAM
The Guides are well qualified as well as passionate about the region.
They choose passionate staff from all walks of life, although most of our team have extensive outdoors experience or an adventure tourism background and bring a lot of skills with them.
Their rigorous guide training programme takes several weeks before new guides begin an apprenticeship with senior staff. Training, reviews and assessment are on going for all staff, no mater how long they've been in their role. All of the guides complete first aid training before they are able to lead a group, and carry a first aid kit with them on each trip.
All the guides hold their HIG ( Hard Ice Guiding) certification or are working towards it. This certification is conducted through the internationally recognised New Zealand Mountain Guides Association (NZMGA).
Each day prior to the first commercial tour, the guides inspect the glacier and cut large step-lines and walking tracks. As you pass through the unique terrain and impressive ice formations the experienced guides will be monitoring your movements carefully, ensuring that you are always safe on the ice.
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