Franz Josef Glacier #WHPost6

I didn't expect it to happen so soon---a journey to glacier. NZ's Southern Alps have a number of glacier, the largest being Tasman Glacier (not accessible but can only view by taking a short walk in Mount Cook Village). The most famous glacier, namely Fox Glacier and its twin, Franz Josef Glacier sprawl along South Island West Coast; and it's 5 hours drive from Cromwell.

A big shout out to everyone considering this trip, it worth every penny you spent!

Another big money I've spent other than skydiving xD. One day when I browsed through bookme.co.nz to look up for some promo activity, I found this stunning activity and randomly asked Xt if he interested in joining.

A BIG YES. And so, we went on to book Ice Explorer which costs half a week of our wages $329. What comforting us is it comes along with free hot pools entry.

A 5 hour drive is totally exhausting. What pissed us off is there's no petrol station along the way to Franz Josef. Fuel a full tank before departing is definitely a wise idea.

What a stupid decision we made not to fuel in Cromwell, ended up we paid extra $20 atop of the fuels as service charge to reopen one of the tank. Also, petrol in Franz Josef priced 233.9cents/L which is skyhigh compared to other town.... Fox Glacier on the other hand 220+ *feel like banging wall

Arrived in Franz Josef Montrose (a clean and neat backpacker) at 11pm, definitely recommend this stay which costs us only $55/room.

We've joined the earliest tour at 8.45am. Upon checked in, we were equipped with free hat,waterproof over-trousers, gloves, socks and sturdy leather boots and crampons.

What to bring? Sunglasses, light snack, bottle (to fill up so glacier water) and sunsreen.

1.All ready to set off.

2.7 minutes walk to Heli Pad =D

3.There we were heli transferred to the glacier.

4.Approximately 4 minutes heli flight xD A bird eye's view of the glacier

5.Landed on glacier for the first time. We were guided to put on crampons on our boots.

6.Start our hiking. Unbelievably magnificent and stunning! Due to climate changes, the glacier retreats and reduces in level which is a worrisome issue.

7.Mason, our glacier guide explained that the glacier retreat is because the ice melts faster than it formed. Therefore, since 2014, the glacier is no longer accessible (not safe enough to walk) through walking up the valley. That's why today we need helicopter to transfer and land us onto the glacier face; and it's not cheap.

8.He also explained that the dropped glacier level means it is no longer pressing against the cliffs, leading to a lot of rockfalls.

7. I really like spectacular natural attraction

.Marvel at the beauty of Mother Earth!

8. Blue Ice Arches. We climbed through the cave and it's exhilarating! =D

9. Pretty turquoise ice!

10.The ice appeared to be blue because it is really dense and consolidated that bubble cannot interfere the passage of light. The ice on the glacier has been there for a long time that it's so compact that it is dense enough to absorb every colour except blue.

11. The glacier glistens in turquoise.

12. The brilliant blue crevasse inspire us with awe.=D

13. Glacier water. Quite refreshing but I'm presumptive about the purity of the water.

14.Squeeze through narrow ice tunnels. Fun yea!

15.Bumped into another glacier guide.

16. Awe-inspiring landscape.

17. Do you know 75% of fresh water on Earth comes from glacier?

18. Global warming has posed a hazardous effect on glacier. Previously, glacier retreats and recovers; finger cross that it is going to recover!

19. Mason and me.

20. The whole trip lasted for 4 hours, with 3 hours of ice time =D 

Simply Stunning! ...=DFranz Josef Glacier