Day 18, 19 and 20 - Franz Josef Glacier

Set off after spedning the evening in Queenstown - this photo looks back towards Queenstown after a steep mountain climb

We drove int a horrendous storm and the rain lashed down unceassingly - drove along the coast to get to Franz Josef town - stayed in the youth hostel here - all tours had been cancelled that day - so we were unure whether we would be allowed to go the next day . .
Franz Josef Glacier
Wikipedia Franz Josef info

the following day I set of with the tour bus - Samantha and Hud did not come along - Sam was pregnant and was advised not to take part as it is very easy to slip . . .

part of the group sets off

first glimpse of the glacier

as you can see in the background - the river comes straight from the glacier and this block of ice had been carried down by the river . . .

we move closer to the glacier . .

easier to see part of the river which runs beneath the glacier . . .

barrier - not supposed to o beyond this point without a guide - saw some idiots running up the glacier

now if you had been paying attention - remember that fault line we saw on the Milford SOund tour - you betcha - here it is again . . .

looking down the valley - we have come some way already . . .

. . .time for support - crampons on . . .

stairway on the glacier - Anne and Bob who had been on the Doubtful SOund cruise as well . . .

we's a coming . . .

on the glacier . . .

path through the ice - actually on the glacier now

group takes a break

looking down the valley again . . .

Frans Jozef glacier

for the more adventurous - ice cliff climbing

onwards and upwards

It was possible to hire a helicopter and be taken to the top of the glacier . .

we wind our way between the peaks

Again amzing natural beauty - I did wonder about how eco friendly it was clambering all over the glacier - I don't know I can't answer - but I am glad that I had this experience - I hope it is still around for a long time to come . . . well worth the effort - not exactly somethign you do every day . . .

Michael and Willow come a calling - they were waiting for me when I arrived abck at the hostel - pre-arranged of course - Had Michael not driven across - I would probably not have seen him - Thanks Michael

Just after breakfast - we part ways - Michael back to Christchurch - Sam, Hud and myself back to Queenstown

images of Franz Josef

We drove back to Queenstown and spent the evening there