Franz Josef Glacier Helihike and Kayaking

Franz Josef

One of my favourite stops on this trip was seeing the Franz Josef Glacier.

From the Poo Pub to Franz Josef:

So after a very fun night the night before (we had quite a thunderstorm outside whilst we partied at the pub), the weather cleared up to a better day than the last few. We were told it would be all good for hiking the glacier the next day which we were all very relieved. I had it in mind to stay an extra day or two at Franz Josef as I wanted to take it all in and I was finding the itinerary on the bus very intense and tight. Anyway, we left the Poo Pub and after a short drive we stopped over at a quirky looking place called the Bushman Centre. Upon arrival, Cam, our driver told us about how the local people used to catch deers from helicopters and this place was a little museum for checking this out as well as an opportunity to see some wildlife including deer, goats and possums. Most of us were pretty hungover from the night before and hungry so we made use of the cafe instead and it’s quirky hunting decor. I looked pretty much like a log cabin and had lots of stuffed heads and quirky signs and memorabilia about the place. If I remember right, Billy Connolly had visited this place and his picture was up on the wall somewhere.

The weather was still pretty ambiguous when we arrived at Franz Josef. We were taken to the Glacier Guide office to book our Heli-hike for the next day and I also booked myself for a kayaking trip after the hike. Yup, I had a busy day the next day!

Gorgeous morning in Franz Josef!

Ready for the heli-hike!

The next day was one of my favourites! The heli-hike had us completely geared up, instructed and ready for jumping on the helicopter by mid-morning. The weather was amazing and full of sun and blue skies.

Will, our guide pick-axing the way round.

Our guide Will, took us around the Glacier and we were up there for a good couple of hours. Lots of squeezing and climbing around the place  and all very worth the effort. Will told us about a rock fall that occurred when he was new to the job and the ever-changing look of the glacier. He also explained to about the blue ice and what has been happening to the area over time.

Me and Freddy.

The heli-hike is the only option for going on the glacier with them now as the front part has currently got a hole in it and has been deemed to dangerous. Personally, I think the heli-hike was worth every cent! The views from the helicopter was stunning and you have more time on the “good part” of the ice. 

Get yer cramp-ons on!

That afternoon, I also went kayaking at Lake Mapourika. We had a very enthusiastic and happy go lucky guide by the name of Ben. From America, he said he came travelling around the country, got stuck at Franz Josef and never left! I don't blame him, it's so beautiful. The lake is known for its dark colour and how it has a reflective quality to it. It was very cool kayaking through the little nooks (I’m a very bad kayaker, any tips welcome!) and the view of the mountains was the highlight of this excursion. Ben also told us a little story about the kiwi birds and how they came to be as the forest surrounding this place is known to inhabit some. We also tried some of the local leaves that had a hot chilli quality to them.

My friend Frida was like Speedy Gonzales on a kayak!

Got a bit misty.

We left as the sun set and headed back to the Rainforest Retreat and ...to the bar once more! :D

We relaxed in the Monsoon Bar at the Rainforest Retreat, which I must say had to be one of my favourite places we stayed at and favourite bar! So homey and I do love a log fire. I was glued to that sofa and enjoyed a night with my new friends and watching some of them play the bar games on offer.

The Monsoon Bar and amazingly cosy fireplace.

Freddy tucking in to some good pub grub!

The Rainforest Retreat

Franz Josef was one of my favourite places in New Zealand. It's a very tiny town, consists basically of two parallel roads but its beauty and isolation is what makes it for me. So unique and a very good place to go for the adventurous of us who like hiking and a bit if nature. My next post shall be about the hike (yup, another one!) I did the next day.

-Sherin x