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!

RAIN!

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!

Rain clouds coming in above a guide

Earthquake Kiwi

The CHCH earthquake has given us many stories of survival - here is a very cool tail, with a very special Franz Josef link, about a little kiwi called Richter.

BLUE ICE!

Hot off the ice!


These shots have come back from AJ (one of our senior guides) and show what's currently on offer for our Full Day Adventure visitors. He took these shots of Nick with his group heading through some amazing terrain.


There are some great features on offer at the moment, like these really blue crevasses - smiles all round! The crevasses will slowly melt out over the next few weeks until they resemble a wide valley rather than a crevasse and the guides will start looking for some other amazing features to explore.

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Kiwi Experience - That Kiwi Chick!

We love reading about your trips on Franz Josef Glacier with us, and seeing fantastic photos of real people up there on the ice with us! This blog by That Kiwi Chick has both! Fantastic info on the trip as well as the whole West Coast Journey with Kiwi Experience, along with some brilliant cave shots on Franz Josef.

Thanks Kiwi Chick for letting us share!

Want to share your trip with us? Like us on Facebook and post your feedback here!

Check in regularly for updates, prize draws and more!

David's Trip on Franz Josef Glacier

Kia ora
Just read David's review of his trip on Franz Josef - looks like an awesome time, even in the rain!
http://longwayabout.wordpress.com/2010/07/26/new-zealand-franz-josef-glacier/

Tasman Glacier

Really interesting article on the Tasman and the HUGE piece of ice that is about to break off due to current weather conditions - for those of you who are interested in Glaciers, this is well worth a look!

Here at Franz Josef, we are currently in decline, leading to some really unique challenges for our guides as they lead visitors up onto the glacier. However, we still continue to offer the most incredible glacier experience each and every day!!!

Glacier Hot Pool Upgrade

Hi all

We are lucky enough to have the Glacier Hot Pools located right in the centre of Franz Josef! There is nothing better than being up on the glacier and experiencing the amazing world of ice - EXCEPT when you can come back down and soak those muscles in the relaxing Glacier Hot Pools!

Franz Josef Glacier Guides offers an upgrade for the rest of July and August of $15pp* to include a hot pool with a hike (normally $22.50).

So enjoy some Fire and ICE in Franz Josef!

*limited time, available on direct bookings only.

Gary and Ro on Franz Josef

I've just been searching through some of the blogs about Franz Josef Glacier and came across Gary & Ro's - they look like they had an awesome time on the ice! Check out their blog here!

They also had some fantastic photos, even in the wet weather - just makes the ice bluer.

Thanks Gary and Ro for letting us share, glad you enjoyed your time in Franz Josef!

Pre trip briefing

A great place to start if you are planing on coming out on a hike with us is the Franz Josef Glacier Guides pre trip briefing video. This will give you a really good idea of what is required to take part in a hike with us!

Happy viewing.

Welcome!

A big Kia Ora to everyone out there and welcome to our new blog! Here you can find out about what's happening on the Franz Josef Glacier at the moment, and learn a little bit more about our team.

I guess my first job would be to get the 'official' type stuff out of the way - if you have found us on our website, you will know we are the only company permitted to guide on the majestic Franz Josef Glacier! We're lucky enough to take visitors up there every day, rain or shine, to explore some ice ice baby. Currently we offer half day, full day, heli hike, ice climbing and eco tours - check out our website for more info on each of these trips.

We're new to blogging, and hope that we can share with you a little of what it is like to work, and play in the area, right from the horses mouth - our team will be blogging soon....so stay posted for updates!

Also looking forward to hearing from you and what you think of the area/ sharing your pics and generally seeing the things you have enjoyed doing while in the area.

Will catch you back here soon!

Kerry