Travel Blog by Amelia, aged 22, for everyone

Glacial Gains: Hiking up Franz Josef

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Amelia's travel blog in Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand. She went on 04 of August 2003 for 1 day. She went for adventure, adrenaline, get closer to nature. Amelia went with a partner. She got there and around by car or van, walking. Amelia's travel verdict is: you must go here.

Blue ice peaks

Although it’s now a few years ago, this particular day sticks in my mind for several reasons. One, because I was saying “Ouch” and couldn’t bend my knees for some time afterwards. Two, because it required a lot of endurance and determination. Three, because it was an incredible experience, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone travelling around New Zealand.

Hiking up

Early one morning, Andrew and I got dolled up in full adventure caboodle – crampons, sturdy boots, Gortex jackets, complete with ice axes and so on – ready to climb the Franz Josef Glacier. After being assigned to a group we trekked (or to use the kiwi term, tramped) to the foot of glacier. We went over rocks and past waterfalls to reach the massive expanse of ice waiting ahead.

Going up an icewall

Before long, we were putting our kit into action, as we climbed up ice walls using ropes, wriggled through crevasses and clambered through ice holes. We went through dazzling blue ice caves, marvelling at the light and colour.

Blue ice cave

After a few hours, my knees were groaning and my arms were having a good workout from the effort of pulling myself up. By the time we got to the top, I was ready for a rest and more than happy to take in the spectacular views. Though it was infinitely harder than getting a helicopter to the top (which some people did), we felt a real sense of achievement. Definitely one for globetrotters to add to their radars!

Looking at mountains on Franz Josef

Travel Blog Tags

snow, walking, adventure, nature, hiking, ice, new zealand, trekking, cold, glacier, tramping and group

Comments

lucysoff says...

Wonderful experience- thanks for sharing.
I love that last picture of you- it looks like you're about to draw your sword or something- very Lord of the Rings!

Posted 503 days ago.
timhead says...

Wow! I've been to glaciers in Patagonia, but this looks like a much more hands on experience. Another one to add to my to-do list

Posted 499 days ago.
JonSevers says...

Respect for you for doing that, had you done much similar before?

Posted 444 days ago.
Amelia says...

Definitely no glacier walking before! I guess I had always been a fan of the snow, skiing etc. And I always like to try unusual things in unusual places!

Posted 443 days ago.
Thriller says...

What an incredible place! Great photos too. Thanks for sharing them.

Posted 412 days ago.
Alexandra says...

They really let you up there with no ice-climbing experience, just as a regular hiker? Awesome! Dammit, my list just got longer again...

Posted 405 days ago.
Amelia says...

Yes, no ice-climbing experience required! Though a word of warning - my knees were killing for days afterwards! Worth it of course.

Posted 404 days ago.