Franz Josef Glacier Favorites

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Favorite thing: http://www.glacierhelicopters.co.nz/

"Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters offers a range of scenic helicopter flights from 10 minutes to several hours’ duration. Flights depart from Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier and Queenstown.

At Fox Glacier there is a popular flight combination with glacier hiking. This “flights plus” combinations with hiking, mountain biking and snowmobiling enable thrillseekers with limited time to “get away from it all” and the opportunity to experience areas of New Zealand’s wilderness renowned for their outstanding natural beauty.

The helicopter bases are centrally located and complimentary pick up and drop off transfers are available."

Pls refer to the website for more information or refer to their brochuers which I have scanned.

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Favorite thing: http://www.franzjosefglacier.com/

"Franz Josef Glacier Guides is a professional guiding company, operating since 1990. Its heritage can be traced to over 100 years.

The experienced guides will be able to guide you through spectacular icefall terrain and take you into the unknown, providing support as you face the challenge and share with you a sense of discovery whilst always maintaining the highest levels of safety. To go to the most spectacular glacier terrain you will require the guides to create clear steplines and tracks on a daily basis. "

Pls refer to the website for more information or to the brochuer that I have scanned.

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Favorite thing: http://www.helicopter.co.nz/

"Alpine Guides offer guided walks and helihikes from half day to the 2 day Chancellor Hut Overnight Heli-Trek.

The guides are trained through the internationally recognised NZ Mountain Guides Association assure you of a safe hikes.

Let the friendly and professional guides lead you onto an incredible world of ice. The hikes are tailored to suit all fitness levels, budgets and timeframes."

Pls refer to the website for more information or to the brochuer that I have scanned.

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Favorite thing: www.scenic-flights.co.nz

Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Heliservices has been operating since early 1980s. It is an experienced helicopter flight-seeing company providing visitors with a diverse range of South Island scenic helicopter flights and private charters in some of most spectacular alpine and coastal regions of New Zealand.

Boasting an impressive fleet of modern turbine helicopters and with flight offices located in Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, Lake Tekapo and Kaikoura, they specialise in year round snow landings, flight-seeing within National Parks and aerial whale watching.

It’s the only helicopter company licensed to land at all designated landing sites within the Westland National Park. It also provides a selection of highly popular Franz Josef & Fox Glacier scenic flights which includes a snow landing on a glacier all year round.

Complimentary pick ups from the town to the helicopter taking off site.

Pls refer to the website for more information or refer to their brochuers which I have scanned.

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Favorite thing: An ATM machine is available in Franz Josef just outside the Mt Cook Ski Plane Building. Eftpos and credit cards are accepted for most services.

There is no ATM facility in Fox Glacier so do withdraw enough cash before you head for Fox Glacier.

Money Changer could be found at the Fern Grove Souvenirs at main road.

For forex exhchange in Fox Glacier head for the Alpine Guides on the main road.

Favorite thing: This is open Nov- April 8.30am - 6pm;May- Oct 9am-5pm.

Web site: vctemp@doc.govt.nz

This has loads of leaflets on walks in the area. They also have up-to date weather reports so double check with them before you start any walk.

Favorite thing: Rata is a relative of the famous NZ flowering tree, Pohutakawa, and the former seeming semi tropical, I really didn't expect to see all this colour this far south in NZ!

The micro-climates in this country are simply amazing.
I never would have thought it possible to drive up to the glaciers, and drive through semi-tropical rainforest most of the way, including not only rata and tree ferns, but cabbage trees (relative of the palm tree) as well! And this happened a lot.
It was really special to see, when the only times I've visited snow areas, I've seen barren, rocky ground, as on ski fields etc.

I don't know how the ferns survive, when at this altitude they must spend quite a bit of the year beneath snow or ice.

Favorite thing: when you go for the glasier hike, make sure you take a comfortable pair of shoes which is supplied. take the clean socks which these ppl offer you as when you return from the hike it would be wet and it would be good to wear back your own dry pair of socks !

Fondest memory: it's surely a memorable experience to be going for glasier hike !