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This heli hiking tour on the Franz Josef Glacier ended up being the highlight of our month in New Zealand and I would advise anyone visiting New Zealand to ensure they visit Franz Josef.

After flying into Christchurch, Sue and I hired a car to explore the South Island. Friends from Australia went on this trip earlier in the year and insisted that we do it too; luckily we listened to them as it wasn't on our itinerary initially. We stayed in a unit right in Franz Josef Village at the Glow Worm Cottages where Helen and Robin were delightful hosts. This was just around the corner from the helicopter company’s office so the next morning after breakfast we headed off on the 9am departure. We obviously didn’t have any of the appropriate gear as we are not a very outdoorsy pair, but we were kitted out with everything we needed at the office. I got a little bit cold on the hike so if you don’t have any thermals (or “polyprops” as the kiwis call them) I would invest in some before you go, although you can buy them on the main street.

The helicopter flight was simply breathtaking. Ten minutes didn’t sound long but the views are just incredible. After traveling up the valley and over the glacier we landed at the top to start our hike. Our guide was either Tim or Tom and he was excellent. He knew the glacier incredibly well and led the way for us to see bizarre ice formations, through narrow blue crevasses and into ice caves. We learnt a lot about glaciers in general and it was quite worrying to see first hand the effect that global warming is having on the environment.

We spent about 2 hours on the guided walk and then the helicopter came back to pick us up. We were on such a high when we landed again; it has inspired both of us to explore the outdoors more now that we are back in England.

only gave a five cos they don't go to 10

new zealand is a fantastic place to visit,
but the fjg was amazing. the heli ride both ways was brilliant and helped to show the scale of the place. it's huge!!!

the equipment provided really did the biz
and the 2 hour guided tour on the ice was fairly easy. we had plenty of time to make friends with the rest of the party.

don't miss it - apparently glaciers worldwide are suffering, so it could be one of the last unspoilt places that are
relatively easy to get to.

worth every penny.
vic thomas, liverpool, england

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