Blogs from Franz Josef, South Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 43

AMAZING. WE went on a 3/4 day walk up the glacier. It was brilliant. We left at about 11 and got back about 5.30 and probably had a good 3-4 hrs on the ice. The formations were incredible and went through some tunnels. I have uploaded the photos and so if anyone is interested ill send the link i warn you now i was very snap happy! Got back and felt very stiff and exhausted but it was well worth the money.... read more

We hired some bikes and rode up to the car park where you can see the Franz Josef glacier and went on a short walk. Had a few drinks in the eveing in Blue ice bar where there was a band playing it was good.... read more

One of the most unique things about New Zealand is it's incredibly varied landscape. The glaciers in the Southwest are a big attraction, and we decided to hike to both of them in the same day. Franz Joseph is larger, although currently more difficult to walk directly up to. Fox glacier is a bit smaller, but you can walk right up to, and onto, the ice if you dare. There are also guided hikes with crampons and ropes, as well as helicopter flights to the top of the glacier. Like all things New Zealand, the prices were quite high, and we were happy to just see them on foot. The glaciers were spectacular, and definitely worth seeing - IF you haven't seen a glacier before. We enjoyed them, but they reminded us a lot of the ... read more

Ok, i'm addicted to this net stuff. I'm sitting here in a RED BUS, yes, a red bus, that's fixd to be an internet hub...it's just totally out of this world...cool music in the back ground, comfortable plush seats, lamps on the hard drives, crazy! Out of the bus front Windows I have incredible views of the Franz Josef mountain.......white snowy peaks...can't wait to do my heli hike tomorrow at 11am. Hoping for brilliant weather! Keep your fingers crossed guys! Well, we left the Pancake Rocks today...and our drive down here was long and hot. I don't know why I've decided to get back on the net if I wrote a blog this morning but hey, you guys want updates, no? LOl, naw, I'm just addicted like I said. Hey, have I told ya'll that the ... read more

Christmas is nearly over for Sarah and I at 10pm here at the foot of the Franz Josef Glacier. The weather is a bit wet and gloomy now but we were blessed with sun this afternoon for the 4 hostels at the end of our cul-de-sac to have a street barbecue and game of cricket in lieu of a turkey dinner! Not a typical Christmas for us.... Since we last spoke we left Napier and its art deco architecture and via a couple of vineyards weaved our down to Wellington for a couple of days. The weather was glorious....but the city is very windy which brought the temperature down to a more familiar Christmas feel! Wellington is situated in a stunning setting of mountains and narrow coastal stretches surrounding a very picturesque harbour. Some of the ... read more