Womens Ice Climbing Course

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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!