There’s only one major thing on our agenda today: Helihiking the Franz Josef Glacier. Since booking this, I’ve been looking forward to this for quite some time. Not only is the idea of hiking the glacier appealing, but taking a helicopter up there really does it! I’ve never ridden in a helicopter, so this will be the first time.
Franz Josef Helihike
After packing everything into our rental car, we had a quick breakfast before driving to the Helihike base to check in and sign all the waivers associated with this activity. We waited for a few minutes before meeting our guide Ellie. She takes a few minutes to cover some preexisting medical disclosures and then proceeds to run through what to expect and some of the equipment we’ll need for the excursion. This includes our outerwear, boots and crampons. We then proceeded to receive our equipment and a small fanny pack containing our crampons and space for a few personal items.
Helicopter ride to Franz Josef Glacier
After getting “suited up” we exit the base and make the short walk to the helipad where two helicopters were waiting for us. Ellie proceeds to give us some instructions on how to board the helicopter and sends the first group to board and depart. Once gone, it was our turn and I was giddy with excitement! We pile into the seats of the helicopter and before we knew it we were off! The ride and the views are incredible and I was trying to sponge in as much as I could! Its pretty cool to be able to fly up between two mountains, see the glacier in front and then land on a small flat spot.
Hiking around Franz Josef
Once we were all safely away from the helicopter, Ellie instructed us all to put on our crampons and then proceeds to lead us up and through the Franz Josef Glacier. She explains that the glacier will continually change and because of that the path we take today can be different than a path taken tomorrow. Its also why she carries a pick-axe around so she can continually groom the path since it changes constantly.
There are some points in the hike where we need to go up and over parts of the ice. Then there are parts where we need to go between or “through” very tight crevices. Prior to embarking we are given a warning about being comfortable in tight places and in some spots it does get quite tight! In fact some spots you need to walk sideways and shuffle through the ice lest you get stuck!
Franz Josef Glacier
After one such crevice, we eventually come out the other side on top and in the middle of the glacier with a great view of the it! One of the notable sights is the bare rock “hole” that is visible in the middle of the glacier. Ellie explains that due to climate change the glacier is receding and sadly, the hole that we see now once was completely covered in ice. Its a pretty visible reminder of what is happening around the world today. And seeing such a beautiful glacier and alternatively the backdrop of the valley below does instill an appreciation of nature and creation and the need to protect it!
From our highest point, we make our way back down to the helicopter landing area and wait for our ride! While its pretty cool to be at the main base to see helicopters take off. I think its even cooler to see them land and take off on a small flat spot of ice! The beautiful flight down through the valley back to base is for sure a highlight and not something I’m soon going to forget!
King Tiger
And as quickly as we were flying through the air, we return back to base safe and sound. A truly memorable experience! After returning our gear, our thoughts turned to lunch! Because food choice isn’t abundant in Franz Josef, Gimpy and I opted to walk across the street to an Asian restaurant called King Tiger. I think with a morning full of activity, and a long drive ahead of us we weren’t terribly picky about lunch. I ordered a fried noodle dish and while it’s not amazing, it did its job and satisfied my hunger!
Arthur’s Pass
After lunch, Gimpy and I got back on the road. Our next stop would be Christchurch. The drive takes around 5 hours and would take us through Arthur’s Pass. I’ve mentioned this in previous blog posts, but I really enjoy driving in New Zealand. Especially these when you have beautiful scenery to look at for the entire drive. While most we we didn’t plan to stop on this trip, we did make a few short stops along the way.
Otira Gorge Rock Shelter
The first stop happened after we had driven through what we thought was a short tunnel only to see a cool man made waterfall right after it. After pulling off to check it out, we learned this is the Otira Gorge Rock Shelter and Reid Falls Aqueduct. This was built a long time ago to help and prevent frequent rock slides from falling onto the highway. The aqueduct is also built in order to stop water from flooding the highway. I think the aqueduct is pretty unique since you don’t see something like this everyday!
Otira Viaduct
Soon after, the rock shelter and aqueduct, we start driving on this cool bridge that goes through the middle of a mountain valley. After crossing the bridge there is yet another pull off and we decide to check it out. We learn that this is the Otira Viaduct. It was built because the original road along the valley floor would constantly have to deal with falling rock. Its neat to see from the viewpoint perspective and makes for a cool photo!.
Waimakariri River
Another spot we stopped was along the side of the Waimakariri River. After driving along the river for a few minutes, the combination of the river bed, the small “veins” of water cutting through it and the sun reflecting made for a very picturesque view. Its absolutely gorgeous.
The Springfield Doughnut
One of our last stops before getting to Christchurch is the Springfield doughnut. We didn’t know it actually is related to the Simpsons when we drove by it. We simply saw a huge doughnut on the side of the road and kind of had to check it out! Only now as I write this blog and trying to find it again do I realize that a version of the doughnut was originally gifted to the town of Springfield to promote the Simpson’s movie. How cool!
Christchurch
From the Doughnut, the rest of the drive was pretty uneventful. By the time we arrived in Christchurch it was evening. We didn’t plan to actually spend time in Christchurch due to time constraints. We also had an early morning (6 AM ) flight back to Auckland the next day. So we quickly picked up some KFC and settled into our Airbnb. After a long day and a very early start we needed to get some sleep.
Tomorrow we would be flying back to Auckland, picking up a car and driving back out to the Coromandel Peninsula.
I didn’t know about that about the doughnut!!!
Also, that kfc bucket looks so epic. Never have I had chicken outta a bucket before!