Fox Glacier (Heli-Hike)

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One thing we had read about and found on the internet was the possibility of a hiking round a glacier.

On the South island there is the Fox Glacier (www.FoxGuides.co.nz) where we decided we would give hiking on a glacier a go, so we booked a 3-hour heli-hike.

It is really important to book this in advance as places are limited and the weather can affect it's availability. They supply you with hiking crampon boots, walking poles (and coats if you need them)

You are flown up to the glacier in a small helicopter (only 6-8 people including the pilot). There you will spend 2-3 hours walking round the glaciers in groups of 8-10 people and a guide.

We were really lucky with the weather, having bright beautiful sunshine and not too hot.

If you feel a little more energetic there is also a full day walk option too, where you can walk up to the glacier and then across it.

To the right you can see the view up the glacier to the top after we have landed.All the time you are up there you can hear the water trickling through and occassional cracks as the glacier moves.

One tip we'd say is remember your sunglasses, as the light off the glaciers can be very bright, also take sun block.

It's not very strenuous but the views are worth it.

If you are really lucky you'll be able to view ice caves and tunnels up close. These caves and crevases are being formed by melting water and can take months or even years to be produced and yet might last for only a few days.

As our guide Mark told us, the glacier is constantly moving and changing, so each day they aren't sure which route they can take.

The other thing you notice is the colour of the ice, which is an amazing icey blue.

Here you can see us in an ice cave, which leads off in both directions behind us.

At the end of the walk you are flown back off the glacier, after a very enjoyable 3 hours.

If you get the chance, give it a go as. It truely a wonderful 3 hours or so and the guides are really friendly and knowledgable. Just make sure you book it well in advance, to ensure a place.

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