Fox Glacier Guiding
Cat and I did the half-day tour, which was the perfect period of time to experience the wonders of Fox Glacier. If your like me and didn’t pack your water proof pants and jacket (I mean really its august) Fox Glacier Guiding provide you with these as well as sturdy leather boots. After the safety prepping we boarded one of the buses. The drive out to Fox Glacier is only 10-15minutes and is through the rainforest and glacial valley.
Due to the recent rock fall, access to the Glacier was closed to the public, which made us feel very privileged and just a little scared. Our guide Jenny lead us on a walk beside the river bed and told us that if we hear any rock movement that we were to run as fast as we could out of the valley. ‘Uh-Hum’ we all said with wide eyes. She led us along their secret track, which zig-zags steeply up approximately 700 steps for 45 minutes through the rainforest. I know some of you are thinking ‘I thought the unfit could enjoy this walk’. Your guide will be sure to stop as many times as you need and travel at a pace that is comfortable for everyone. From high on the track we enjoyed a fantastic view of the glacier and glacial valley.
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www.exploretainment.com
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www.exploretainment.com
The track winds down to the edge of the ice where we were fitted with instep crampons, specially designed for ice conditions.
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Then we were onto the ice. It was very mind boggling as we listened to Jenny explain that the ice stairs we were walking on are carved by hand every couple of days.
www.exploretainment.com
www.exploretainment.com
www.exploretainment.com
Jenny led us amongst crevasses and ice ridges, which were very impressive.
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www.exploretainment.com
Once we were on the middle of the glacier, we witnessed the most majestic views of the icefall and lower glacier. Jenny was all but too familiar with the natural history of this landscape and happily answered every question, passing on fascinating details about the Glacier.
www.exploretainment.com
www.exploretainment.com
When I asked Jenny why she thinks Fox is the best Glacier to visit she proudly stated that it is less crowded, it is the longest West Coast glacier at 13km, it is less steep and therefore less physically demanding, it is more affordable and most importantly it offers the best views of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.
www.exploretainment.com
www.exploretainment.com
www.exploretainment.com
(two guys ice climbing)The half-day tour takes a good four and half to five hours all up. For more information on other tours and prices visit their website at: www.foxguides.co.nz
Mt. Cook View Motel
After a long day of climbing Fox Glacier we arrived at Mt. Cook View Motel absolutely shattered. However it was Cat’s last night on the tour before returning to Canada so we thought we would push through our fatigue and go out for dinner to celebrate.
Gavin our host recommended a very nice restaurant by the name of Lake Matheson, where we enjoyed a scrumptious three course meal- the first being the wine of course ☺
Mt. Cook View Motel offers quality, spacious accommodation in a beautiful rural setting within Fox Glacier. With magical views of Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman the motel provides a large variety of accommodation. From studio units to two bedroom units to separate cottages, Mt. Cook View Motel has something to offer everyone.
For more information on prices and rooms visit their website at: www.mtcookview.co.nz
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