blog

New Ice Explorer is a proven hit

Wed, 09 May 2012 16:15:35 +1200

New ICE EXPLORER trip is a proven hit

Last week we were at TRENZ 2012 in Queenstown. This huge Tourism Trade Show is where we get to update all of our fantastic friends and colleagues in the Tourism and Travel industry from around the world. And of course we talked a lot about our new Ice Explorer trip! We love updating everyone on what is happening on Franz Josef Glacier and the exciting new way of accessing the glacier for guided hikes. But it's great for us to hear it directly from those of you have done the new trip. So, it was great for us to spot this recent blog from Emma Dando who is travelling New Zealand and having a ball. She had some great things to say about her recent Ice Explorer trip at Franz Josef Glacier Guides.

You can read the full blog here:
http://emmadando23.wordpress.com/2012/04/23/franz-josef-kayaking-and-glacier-hiking/

Thanks so much for sharing Emma, we hope you have a great time for the rest of your trip in New Zealand.

New Ice Explorer trip brings out the geologist in all of us

Fri, 04 May 2012 15:40:54 +1200

Here at Franz Josef Glacier Guides, we love glaciers! And we think the chance to witness the dramatic geological changes happening on our very own glacier is pretty exciting. For those of you who haven't been following, Franz Josef Glacier has developed a hole in the ice that has created a large arc on the lower reaches of the glacier. Over the past six months, we have been monitoring this hole and we recently decided that this area of the glacier was no longer stable enough for us to run our half day glacier hike trips. But don't worry, you still have the chance to access the glacier AND see this glacial hole for yourself. Our guests are loving our new Ice Explorer trip. This trip not only gives you the opportunity to hike on the glacier but will also give you the chance to witness this dramatic change and have it explained to you by our expert guides. Oh, and did we mention there is a short helicopter ride to deliver you onto the glacier? This is geology in action. You don't even have to be glacier mad like us to be impressed with what's going on here! Since the middle of April, we have been running the new Ice Explorer trip and our guests are loving it! Phew! There's a lot going on around here. So, if you want to witness mother nature at work, and have an amazing experience on the ice, get in touch with our reservations team.

Ken and HIllary's Franz Josef experience

Fri, 04 May 2012 11:02:20 +1200

We think you'll love these amazing photos from Ken and Hillary's recent trip on Franz Josef. Thanks Ken and Hillary for sharing your blog with us.

We always love to hear about your adventures on the ice. So feel free to keep in touch on Facebook.

http://hillandken.blogspot.co.nz/2012/04/franz-josef-glacier-new-zealand.html

NEW GLACIER EXPERIENCE LAUNCH - Our press release

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:58:13 +1200

Franz Josef Glacier Guides is launching a spectacular new glacier tour called The Ice Explorer this week (Thursday 12 April 2012).

The new guided trip will take visitors on a short trip directly up on to the pristine glacial ice by helicopter, bypassing the potentially unstable terminal face area.

Ngāi Tahu Tourism Regional General Manager West Coast Fraser Leddie says the new tour is a result of on-going assessments of the geographical stability of the area, factoring in the highest level of safety possible and balanced with the best value experience Franz Josef Glacier Guides can offer clients.

“The glacier has been advancing and retreating over the last 100 years and on-going changes are part of the natural cycle of a glacier. At all times, the safety of our staff and customers is paramount and this new trip is a proactive response to the ever changing environment at Franz Josef,” he said.

“This is also a good opportunity to reinforce the importance of safety around glaciers and being part of a group led by trained, experienced guides”, Fraser Leddie added.

Franz Josef Glacier Guides is a Ngāi Tahu-owned business which helps to promote the values of the iwi. This includes respecting the environment, particularly significant natural features in New Zealand, as well as on-going regional activities such as stoat trapping, recycling visitor rubbish, recycling old equipment and composting, Franz Josef Glacier Guides is committed to measuring and offsetting the carbon the new tours will produce. In 2009 Franz Josef Glacier Guides achieved a Silver Enviro Award Rating through Qualmark New Zealand.

For more information about Franz Josef Glacier Guides, visit www.franzjosefglacier.com
ENDS

For further information please contact:
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Communications Advisor Fiona McLeod 021 872 015.

About Ngāi Tahu Tourism:
Ngāi Tahu Tourism is one of New Zealand’s premier tourism operators and the parent company of an extensive portfolio of iconic adventure and eco-tourism businesses.

From high adrenalin thrills to remote and spectacular World Heritage locations each business offers a range of unique experiences for travellers to and around New Zealand.

South Island operations include Shotover Jet, Dart River Safaris and Hollyford Track Guided Walks in Queenstown. The Glacier Hot Pools and Glacier Walks in Franz Josef, kayaking and Water Taxis in the Abel Tasman National Park. North Island operations include Kiwi Encounter and Kiwi Wildlife Park at Rainbow Springs and the Huka Falls Jet in Taupō. Ngāi Tahu Tourism has a significant investment in the Agrodome, Rotorua.

Ngāi Tahu Tourism is part of the Ngāi Tahu Holdings Corporation Limited; the investment company of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu which trades under the name Ngāi Tahu Holdings Group.

There's a hole lot going on around here

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 12:33:16 +1300

Our latest natural feature on the glacier is one of the most remarkable we have seen in recent years. A hole in the ice has developed a large arc on the lower reaches of the ice. This hole is a natural and not unusual feature on the glacier which is caused by the river action underneath the glacier creating a cavity and slowly collapsing in on itself. This can be a long process; we have been monitoring this area for the last 6 months in expectation.

Here is a picture of the hole to show you what we are talking about.

This is one mighty impressive feature. Some of our feedback from visitors has been how impressive it has been to see the force of nature at work. The ‘hole’ definitely shows you that a glacier is simply a VERY slow moving river. The ice is flowing towards the gap made to try and fill it in – much like water does when you squish your toes in the sand at the beach.

It’s definitely an exciting time for us, and our experienced team are monitoring the ice on a daily basis (as we do every day anyway). As the hole develops we may need to review foot access onto the ice, which could happen over the next few weeks – we have some pretty exciting plans for this time though. Normal heli access will not be affected.

It’s a pretty amazing sight – there has definitely never been a more dynamic time to visit Franz Josef Glacier!

Birds of a feather....

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:21:57 +1300

The beautiful white herons visit Okarito (just 27km from Franz Josef on the coast) up until April. This is their only breading ground in New Zealand.

Paula, from Okarito Boat Tours, has just sent us this update:

Bird update! We are just coming into the best time of year to view birds on the Okarito Lagoon! The white herons have had a remarkable breeding season and the young will now be leaving the nests and arriving on the Lagoon to feed alongside the adults and the Royal Spoonbills. We have a good number of Bar Tailed Godwits (they come here from Alaska & Siberia!), Pied Stilts and even the occasional shy Bittern.

Check out this awesome footage from one of our customers

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:23:13 +1300

A Franz Josef Glacier Guides tour group of number 22 supervised by number two guides witnessed a once in ten year rock fall event at the glacier at 3pm on Thursday.

Thankfully everyone involved is safe and well and we were very pleased at how our staff responded.

We'd like to take this opportunity to reinforce the importance of safety around glaciers and being part of a group, led by trained, experienced guides.

As a result of this incident a full geological testing of the area will be conducted to ensure the highest level of safety possible for our customers.

Franz Josef Glacier Guides undertakes on-going, daily assessments of the potential risk in the area. These risks are clearly communicated with our customers. However we do not claim to able to control nature - we work with a dynamic and ever-changing environment which is part of the thrill of adventure tourism.

See the footage here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/noland03

Meet Ryan

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:24:31 +1200

Our second guide profile is Ryan

1. How long have you worked for Franz Josef Glacier Guides?

Since November 2010.

2. Describe yourself in 5 words.

Too good to be true.

3. What is your earliest memory of the outdoors?

Driving a tractor around on the family farm when I was five.

4. What is the funniest thing that’s happened to you while working on the glacier?

Everyone hassles me about being an Aussie and I’m NOT!

5. Where is the best little getaway on the West Coast?

Hokitika for shopping or Greymouth for Countdown….!

6. What have you got planned for your next big adventure?

The Fritz range, Take Two.

7. What do you spend most of your spare time doing?

Adventure sports and skydiving.

8. Where is the best place you have taken a photo from?

15,000ft.

9. In one sentence can you describe your life in South Westland for me?

Work, play and more work, more play!

10. What do you most enjoy about your job or the Franz Josef Glacier?

Being outdoors on a clear West Coast day.

Meet Alex

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:58:25 +1200

In the first of our blogs on some of our team, meet Alex:

How long have you worked for Franz Josef Glacier Guides?
Since November 2008

Describe yourself in 5 words.
Handsome, Muscular, Charming, Gorgeous + Modest.

What is your earliest memory of the outdoors?
Kayaking the Whanganui river when I was about 7 years old.

Where is the best little getaway on the West Coast?
Flying in to Almer Hut – or you can walk there for a real adventure!

What have you got planned for your next big adventure?
Talking about climbing the Landsborough near Haast.

What do you spend most of your spare time doing?
Lounging in Paradise at the Forks (where I live).

Where is the best place you have taken a photo from?
Bottom of a Moulin on the Franz Josef Glacier.

In one sentence can you describe your life in South Westland for me?
Exciting and never dull.

What do you most enjoy about your job or the Franz Josef Glacier?
Exploring new parts of the glacier.

THANKS ALEX!

Playing in the Snow - Heli Hike site July 2011

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:44:04 +1200

Some amazing pictures from our heli hike site taken yesterday (14.07.11)

Team G (irl) training

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:25:45 +1200

Once upon a not-quite-winter morning, four intrepid females and their two mentors awaited the arrival of the roaring machine that would transport them to their next adventure...

Us girl guides, we’re something of a minority at FJGG. A couple of months ago there were eight ‘Team G(irl)’ members in the guiding corps, now there are just four: Jess, Bex, Beck, and me. Among so many boys, it’s easy to just blend in and forget that you’re actually female sometimes, so we were all pretty stoked to be told that Mike and Craig would be taking us for a girls-only training day.

We started off the day sliding around benches at the helipads here in town, practising exiting a hovering helicopter. Then it was into the chopper to do it for real. I was a little bit nervous – it’s pretty important to get it exactly right - but everything went smoothly; ‘textbook’, even! Mike did his best to keep us amused in attempting to close the helicopter door, which had locked open, while hanging on the side of the still-hovering chopper. We landed up on the Heli-hike site, which is just below the main icefall of the Franz Josef Glacier, around 800m above sea level.

From there we took a stroll up to the true left (left looking down-glacier) and found a spot near a waterfall spilling into a massive hole in the glacier. It started off chilly, but the sun spread across the ice as we learnt about setting anchors, and had a go at it ourselves. Anchors on the ice involve setting ice screws at particular relationship to one another (too close and you put too much stress on the ice, too far apart and the angle puts undue stress on the ice screws), then attaching tape (not the sticky kind! It’s like a wide, flat rope) to them with karabiners so that you have a v-shape on which you attach your rope for climbing or abseiling. We played at being anchors ourselves for a bit, trying to find the ideal distance between ice screws for maximum strength of pull.

We also practised making v-threads. This is for when you only have one ice screw, or don’t want to leave one behind when abseiling. You have to screw the ice screw all the way in at a 45-degree angle from the ice, take it out, then repeat in the opposite direction, so the two holes (if you’ve got the angles right!) meet in the middle in a – you guessed it! – V-shape. Then you feed through some prussic (thin rope), tie it into a loop, and thread your climbing rope through it. Believe it or not, as long as you choose nice hard ice, that anchor is just as strong as the ice screw (which can hold about 1200kg by itself) would have been.

All of that practice behind us, we started making our way down the glacier, since we had about 3.5 kilometres of ice to cover before we got to the bottom, and had the most difficult part ahead of us.

The Franz Josef Glacier is the steepest commercially guided glacier in the world. What this means is that we have some amazing icefalls, icefalls being the glacial equivalent of a rapid or waterfall in a river. There are three major icefalls in the Franz Josef. Defiance icefall is the lowest of the three, and is mostly quite navigable. The Main icefall (terribly original names we have around here) is the highest, the steepest, and is almost impassable. The Pinnacles icefall, which was to be our thoroughfare, is somewhere in the middle in all of these respects.

Cruising along the plateau between the main icefall and the Pinnacles was easy going. Cutting left out towards the valley wall was where things got a bit gnarlier. Among the challenges we faced were traversing along the top of an ice wall (attaching ourselves to the ice with a rope on an ice screw in case we slipped), abseiling down a 25m ice wall (off a v-thread that I was quite proud to get the angle right on the first try!), and cutting a track around some fairly impressive holes (again, tying into ice screws for safety). I’m not the biggest fan of heights, but I definitely developed a lot more confidence working at height as the day progressed.

Along the way we took turns guiding the rest of the group, and put our heads together a few times to decide on the placement of the next bit of track. We even split up at one point and chose two different possible trails to the next meeting point, to see which was the quicker. This was valuable practice for us all as junior guides, since this is one of the skills you need to perfect to become a senior guide in the company.

Also valuable were the couple of rounds of ‘Block, Flake, Block’ that we played. Hazard identification is another proficiency that senior guides need, and this game is a fun way to develop it. One group member chooses an unstable-looking piece of ice (a block is a piece of ice on its way to disconnecting (by melting) from the larger piece of ice it’s part of; a flake is a sliver of ice, usually part of a wall, that’s doing the same thing), then on the count of three, everyone else chooses a number on a scale of one to ten that describes how dangerous the block is, and how imminent is the danger. The most interesting and educational part is that everyone has to explain their reasoning, which tends to vary between guides no matter their level of experience. The most fun part is that once everyone has decided how dangerous it is, someone gets to bash the block down from its perch, which there is a definite art to! By applying force in the right place, you can knock down a substantial (as in, several hundred kilograms!) block of ice with only a few hits.

After covering some imposing and inspiring terrain, we reached the edge of the glacier and made our way over the next inter-icefall plateau, from where we’d undertake the comparatively speedy journey down to the terminal face and back home.

But first – photo time!

Craig had been snapping away all day, with some pretty amazing results, but we were all saving the best for last – the lunge shot. To understand this, you need to know that the lunge is the ultimate glacier guide pose: to us it epitomises the character, might, and adventurous spirit of a glacier guide, all while showing off our amazing quadricep strength and finely-honed middle-distance gaze.

All four of us ran off to a spot that Craig pointed out atop a wave beyond a field of waterless rivulets in the ice, and lunged our little hearts out. It was about 4pm or so by this time, and the dimming sun filtering through the mist of developing cloud created a stunning lighting effect.

It was half five by the time we crossed the yellow rope barrier at the terminal face, and well and truly dark when we reached guide base, so there were four well-exerted Team G members on the floor of the bosses’ office for our post-training debrief. I think I speak for all of us when I say it was the day was even better than we’d expected. We learnt so much, and were able to do so in a relaxed, low-pressure environment, without the feeling of competition that can arise in a sea of big, strong boys! It was a major confidence-builder as well, in hard skills as well in mental toughness, and served to remind us that there are important guiding skills that are not step cutting. To top it all off, it was a whole lot of fun - thanks in no small part to my amazing co-ice-ladies!

Craig and Mike, massive thank you from the girls for doing this for us; it was an unforgettable and invaluable experience!

(And yes, you’ve definitely earnt your ‘Team G’ wings!)

Check out all the pics on our Facebook Page

Hard Ice Guide Training

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:06:47 +1200

“Hard Ice Guide” (HIG) is a certification created by the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association to recognise a Guide who has the ability and specialist skills required to provide a safe, informative glacier guiding service. Recognised internationally, a Glacier Guide with this qualification under their belt is amongst the best in the industry. So when I was asked if I wanted to try for HIG, I was a bit nervous.

HIG training

To gain this prestigious qualification candidates must show they are completely competent in all areas of their trade. Client care should be second nature, step-cutting almost an unconscious act along with route-finding, ice climbing and crevasse rescue. These skills (and many more) are assessed over a 4 day period on both the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers by an IFMGA Guide. None of this made me nervous. What did make me nervous, were the horror stories I had heard from guides who had taken the exam in the past. The assessors were brutal. Any weakness would be quickly identified and encouraged. Guides are expected to be informative, so a broad knowledge base is essential. But by all accounts, nothing less than encyclopedic knowledge of all things Glacier would be sufficient to pass this course. The history of Guiding had always interested me, but I wasn’t a massive fan of flora and fauna… and I knew the Franz Josef like the back of my hand but where would I take somebody Ice Climbing on the Fox? What exactly is trentepohlia? Despite feeling very unprepared, I had to at least try. I accepted, and became a Higlet. (HIG trainee.)

Most of the training was fun. For me anyway. For Bex, my girlfriend, probably not so much. I needed a volunteer to play victim in crevasse rescue scenarios, so weekends leading up to the exam were spent lowering her into deep moulins and crevasses on the Fox Glacier just to pull her back out. To brush up on our Ice Climbing skills, me and fellow Higlet Dean tackled the Pinnacles Icefall on the Franz Josef and made an attempt on the lower Icefall of the Fox. A walk out from Chancellor Hut was something I’d wanted to do for a while too, so a helicopter and a day off work was organised under the pretence of training. I also read obsessively, trying to commit important facts, names and dates to memory so I could handle any question an assessor might throw at me. I probably put more effort into preparing for HIG than I had for any other exam in my life yet when the assessment date rolled round, I still felt completely unprepared. I really wanted to ace the whole thing but without knowing what to expect, how would I know if I was ready enough to even pass? It relived me a little to know that soon enough, I’d find out.

With a fresh hair cut and a clean shave I walked into the guide base and introduced myself to the assessors and other Higlets. Most were already friends from work and I’d met a few of the Fox boys before on various first aid/SAR courses. After formalities and a little bit of paperwork, we got straight into it. I was familiar with the style of assessment the NZMGA conduct- basically one person carries out a task in front of everybody else and when finished, everybody gets to say what was good about it and then what could be improved. Knowing the first task would likely require a volunteer, I had already decided to be the first- just to get my nerves out of my system. The first task: “Weather Presentation”. I drew a rough Isobaric Chart (weather map) on a whiteboard and then timidly discussed what was going on with weather, how it would likely affect us locally and the forecast for the next few days. I sat down, and I waited. I wouldn’t know how well I had performed at “Weather Presentation” for another 4 days- the assessors are annoyingly gifted at giving nothing away. Notes are silently taken, and a final mark is revealed to you at the end of the exam. This can occasionally lead to stress for a Higlet…

Over the next 96 hours each Higlet was asked to explain, discuss and demonstrate a variety of skills and topics while the assessors studied and judged us, making no attempts to hide their observations. Having an assessor watch you perform a task can be intimidating, especially if something negative happens. I was aware that while I had been asked to demonstrate a practical task, the assessors would no doubt too be looking for the soft skills that are natural characteristics of a good Guide- confidence, professionalism, leadership skills, reaction under stress, enthusiasm. Each day I found it increasingly difficult to figure out if I had was performing well or if my choices at some stage had already cost me the exam. Every demonstration was met with a perfect poker face that could not be interpreted. On one particular assignment I was asked to stop by an assessor only 5 minutes in. This is usually a bad thing. Nothing more was said, we simply moved on to the next task leaving me feeling a little paranoid. I remembered the advice I was given, that no matter what happened you had to carry on trying your best. Ice Climbing was one of the more enjoyable assignments, and is one of my favourite trips to guide. The best method of teaching is to demonstrate, so we spent the afternoon climbing on the Fox Glacier- something all Higlets enjoy!

It was a relief when the last day was over. The first half of the day was more assignments and the other half was an agonising 5 hour wait while the assessors prepared our individual reports and decided if we had passed or failed. It did not relieve me a little to know that soon I would find out- I was nervous. We spent the afternoon discussing the course and what we had learnt. I enjoyed seeing the Fox guys do their thing- seeing different guiding styles and techniques lets you pick out things you like and can use yourself. Having an IFMGA Guide to discuss skills and best practices with was also a great opportunity to learn. I decided that I didn’t care if I had passed or failed; at least I had learnt something and had tried my best. That obviously wasn’t true. I cared, very much. I wanted HIG for a lot of reasons, but mostly- I wanted the cool badge you get to wear on your uniform. That and to be recognised internationally as a highly skilled and professional Glacier Guide. The hours crawled by and eventually we all gathered at the Franz guide base. One by one, we were called in to be given our result. I waited for my turn, congratulating each Higlet who had graduated to “Hard Ice Guide” as they came out from the room. Eventually my turn came. I passed!

Womens Ice Climbing Course

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 09:36:35 +1200

Time is running out to be a part of this fantastic course designed to give ladies the opportunity to have an introduction to the sport of Ice Climbing.

Spaces are limited, and filling up fast for the first course on the 14-16 May!

The idea behind getting women together in this environment is to have some fun with like minded individuals. While the focus is on ice climbing, there is plenty of time to enjoy some fo the highlights of the Franz Josef area.

Click here for more information.

Open for business!

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 09:35:09 +1300

When Tourism New Zealand gave the shout out for some images of fantastic NZ activities showing that they are OPEN for business, Franz Josef Glacier Guides gladly answered the call.

With the help of some of our franztastic *groan* visitors, this is what we came up with.

Check out all the pics on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FranzJosefGlacierGuides

Earthquakes

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:34:23 +1300

Right now our thoughts are with all of those in Christchurch. It's so shocking to see the events unfold on the TV and we can't help but sympathize with our 'mates over the hill'.

We are up and running as normal, there has been little to no shift in our ice and all trips have run to time today.

Currently our emails are not working - please contact us via phone on 0800 GUIDES or 03 752 0763.

Blue Mist

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 09:32:18 +1300

On Wednesday I headed to work prepared for my standard day in the office. Instead of my standard day in the office, I was treated to one of the most spectacular days on the glacier I have ever encountered!

When Craig our operations manager asked if I would like to head up onto the ice to check out a new feature the guides had been working on all week, I was keen to go, however with the feature named “Blue Mist” I wasn’t sure what to expect.

So I donned all of my glacial equipment - woollen socks, boots, waterproof raincoat and over trousers and the all important 4 upper body layers. I also took along the woollen hat and gloves the guides provide, as I knew I would need them. Then it was the bus ride to the car park and we headed off up the glacier valley. Even though I have seen it many times, the first view of the glacier nestled amongst the rainforest in the Franz valley always takes my breath away and I find myself reaching for my camera to capture yet another photo of the glacier.

As I was just heading up to check out the new feature I was fast-tracked up the moraine and the lower reaches of the glacier with the fabulous guides Kruddy and Zack who were heading up to meet other trips. Zack delivered me safely to the start of “Blue Mist”, where the early full day trip was already making their way through.

The first thing that occurred to me when I reached the start was that even though I couldn’t see the group that was heading through, I could hear them singing! The sound was amazing as it was being amplified by the huge crevasse. The next sensation you get in “Blue Mist” is the coldness as you descend into it. It is literally akin to being in a freezer – luckily I had my 4 warm layers and my woollen hat and gloves on!

However as soon as you are within the depths of this huge crevasse, all thought of coldness is banished from your mind as the absolute beauty of this natural feature takes your breath away. From the piercing solid blue 30 metre high walls to the twists, turns, ups and downs that it takes on over it’s 200 metre length, it is simply an out of this world experience that this office chick is very happy to have been able to explore first hand!

I’m pretty sure I took close to 50 photos in my 20 minutes in “Blue Mist”, not only of the feature itself, but also of some of the other people in there, that could not keep the smiles off their faces and were only too happy to pose for me. Pictures alone however do not do enough justice to the enormity and depth of “Blue Mist”, so if you can get to the Franz Josef Glacier over the next couple of weeks to check this feature out, I highly recommend you do so – I can’t stop raving about it, and I’m sure you will too!!!

Jen - Franz Josef Glacier Guides
(More photos of this fantastic feature can be seen on our facebook page www.facebook.com/FranzJosefGlacierGuides)

Franz Josef makes Top 20 on Wotif

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:30:06 +1300

Wotif have just released their top 20 destinations for kiwi's in NZ, and Franz Josef has made the list! See the full article here

With the most spectacular glacier, along with other fantastic attractions and things to do, great bars and resturants, awesome people - it's no surprise really!

What's your favorite thing about Franz Josef? Tell us on Facebook and go in the draw to win a franztastic hoodie!

Preparing for your hike

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 09:28:20 +1300

Summer is here and that means two things at Franz Josef Glacier Guides -

1) It's getting busier and
2) It's probably going to rain more

The first is what leads me to this blog, with more and more people coming through the summer months, it's really important to be prepared for your hike with us on the Franz Josef Glacier. And the second is something you need to be prepared for.

There are some simple things to remember to bring to enjoy your hike with us, 2-4 warm layers on top, and quick drying trousers are a must! We do not take people up in jeans - why, because when they get wet they stay wet - ask any outdoors person and they will tell you the same thing, in our environment jeans are just a big no no.

The layers on top will help you prepare for whatever the days weather holds. We can start our day in sunshine, and finish it in pouring rain, so being able to strip on and off when necessary is a must. We will provide you with over trousers and jackets to keep the wet at bay.

If it is raining, expect anything that is in your bag to get wet, doesn't matter how hard you try, unless you have a 'dry bag' your gear will get wet. So don't take anything up that you will miss if it gets damaged - do not for example take your phone/ passport/ iPods, etc. Leave them at home. Not only will this save you the sadness of ruining your favorite things, it will also lighten your load while walking.

Which leads me to what TO bring. Make sure you bring:
Food and drink for the day (lunches can be pre ordered from our base the night before)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Camera
Backpack

We will provide rain jackets, over trousers, socks, boots, crampons, hat and gloves (if required).

So now you'll be all ready to go this summer and experience the Franz Josef Glacier - we look forward to seeing you here soon!

HOT POOLS now included with every half and full day hike!

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 09:26:14 +1300

Honestly, I cannot think of a better way to finish the day after being up on the glacier then to relax in the Glacier Hot Pools in Franz Josef!
These pools are right in the centre of Franz Josef, all nestled amidst the rainforest, and open to 10pm. They weave their way through the bush, with lots of little coves to relax on your own or recount the days trip with others.
From today the Glacier Hot Pools is included in your price for a half and full day adventure!!!! This is excellent value for money, but more than that, it's just an awesome way to end the day.
We hope you enjoy!

Rain!

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:22:17 +1200

Rain doesn't often stop us! We operate all year around....rain or shine....check out what Franz Josef looks like in the rain .

The glacier itself stretches down from the alps into a rainforest environment, so it's really not surprising that we get the odd down pour. In face we get over 6 metres of rain per annum....it doesnt dampen our guiding spirt though, in fact, in the rain the blues in the ice are even more previlent!