Glacier Climbing in New Zealand: Final Information & Suggestions

Glacier mountaineering provides a extra adventurous spin on conventional mountaineering and may be carried out on each continent apart from Australia. Whether or not you like nature, a bodily problem, or just being open air, glacier mountaineering is an effective way to feed your sense of journey.

The sheer scale, magnificence, and uniqueness of glaciers make the expertise of mountaineering on them unforgettable. It’s an exercise that always takes you out of your consolation zone and may present a way of accomplishment. Glacier mountaineering normally entails utilizing specialised gear and sometimes requires exhilarating transport to succeed in them such scenic helicopter rides.

So now that I’ve piqued your curiosity, you could be asking the place to begin looking for glacier mountaineering experiences. My reply could be to begin in New Zealand. Whereas Australia could not have any glaciers, its neighbour has quite a few which can be “Candy as, bru!”

What’s Glacier Climbing?

Glacier mountaineering, or glacier trekking, is an exciting out of doors journey exercise that entails exploring and strolling on the floor of a glacier. Glaciers are huge our bodies of ice and snow that movement slowly over time because of the accumulation and compression of snowfall.

Glacier mountaineering provides the possibility for individuals of almost all health ranges to expertise a little bit of icy journey that doesn’t danger your life like let’s say making an attempt to summit Everest, frozen waterfall climbing, or exploring harmful ice caves.

And since glacier mountaineering is usually carried out in guided teams, it may be an effective way to meet new individuals, share experiences, and create lasting reminiscences with fellow adventurers. It’s additionally a enjoyable method to improve consciousness of local weather change and the significance of preserving these fragile environments.

Why New Zealand is Fashionable for Glacier Climbing

New Zealand is dwelling to among the most beautiful glacier landscapes on this planet, and there are over 3,000 of them to select from by some estimates. Most of New Zealand’s glaciers may be discovered on the South Island, with a number of being fairly accessible reminiscent of Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier.

New Zealand’s glaciers present a dramatic distinction of ice formations descending from the Southern Alps that lead into lush inexperienced rainforests. These contrasting landscapes make for breathtaking surroundings and incredible picture alternatives.

As with all New Zealand vacation, one of the simplest ways to expertise the nation and its glaciers is to hire a campervan in New Zealand and take to the open street. It’s by far probably the most versatile, snug, and satisfying methods to absorb the pure fantastic thing about New Zealand and discover areas to strive a little bit of glacier mountaineering.

Greatest Time of 12 months for Glacier Climbing in New Zealand

Late spring to early autumn (November to April) is the preferred time for glacier mountaineering, though which means additionally it is thought of peak vacationer season and you may count on extra crowds. Climate situations are typically milder throughout this era, making mountaineering on the ice extra snug.

Selecting to hike throughout late winter to early spring (July to September) will lead to far quieter experiences because of the thinning of crowds. It could possibly additionally show extra economical. Whereas the climate could also be colder, this low season can present extra dramatic surroundings for images reminiscent of snow-covered landscapes.

Perceive that glacier mountaineering is a weather-dependent exercise. Poor climate situations, together with rain or heavy fog, can influence visibility and the general expertise. Guided excursions can also be cancelled in excessive climate. At all times gown appropriately for glacier mountaineering, whatever the season, as mountaineering on the glaciers may be chilly and icy.

New Zealand’s Most Fashionable Glaciers Hikes

Most of New Zealand’s fashionable glacier hikes are discovered on the South Island and whilst you can self-drive to various them to view them, most precise glacier mountaineering is completed by reserving excursions with skilled guides who’re educated in regards to the ever-changing terrain and security protocols.

The period of a glacier hike can fluctuate enormously, from a few hours to full-day excursions. Some longer treks could even contain truly tenting on the glacier. And whilst you can stroll as much as the bottom of various glaciers fairly simply, truly setting foot on a glacier will seemingly require a scenic helicopter trip adopted by exploring the glacier with a information as acknowledged earlier than.

Let’s check out among the notable glaciers price trying out in case you’re not content material merely settling for views from vantage factors and really wish to expertise a little bit of glacier mountaineering your self.

Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier is arguably New Zealand’s most well-known glacier, partly because of the truth it’s fairly accessible. It’s discovered on the South Island’s West Coast inside Westland Tai Poutini Nationwide Park and you may hike the Franz Josef Glacier stroll to stand up to the bottom of the glacier and not using a information.

The closest township is Franz Josef Village, which serves as a base for vacationers visiting the glacier, and the place you’ll be able to guide glacier hikes from licensed tour operators.

Franz Josef Glacier is exclusive in that it’s one in every of solely a handful of glaciers on this planet that extends into lush rainforest, making a placing distinction between the ice and surrounding greenery. The glacier sports activities spectacular crevasses within the ice, towering ice pinnacles, and various ice caves.

Like many glaciers worldwide, Franz Josef Glacier is experiencing the results of local weather change, leading to total retreat which has result in the necessity for conservation efforts in an try to guard and protect the glacier.

Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier can be located inside Westland Tai Poutini Nationwide Park, simply south of Franz Josef Glacier. It provides guided excursions out onto the ice much like these supplied at Franz Josef Glacier.  Additionally like Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier is a dynamic, quickly shifting glacier which flows from the excessive peaks of the Southern Alps right down to decrease altitudes.

To be trustworthy, as a result of the 2 glaciers are so shut to one another, there will not be excessive variations between them. Fox Glacier is barely smaller in measurement and farther from Franz Josef city however remains to be conveniently accessible sufficient for guests, though neither may be accessed for glacier mountaineering from the valley flooring.

Tasman Glacier

The Tasman Glacier is the most important glacier in New Zealand and the primary function of Aoraki / Mount Cook dinner Nationwide Park. The glacier stretches a formidable 27 kilometres in size and covers over 100 sq. kilometres.

On the glacier’s terminal face, it spills into the Tasman Lake, which was fashioned because of the glacier’s retreat. The lake is usually crammed with icebergs which have damaged off, or calved as they are saying, from the glacier.

Glacier mountaineering is much less widespread on Tasman Glacier than on Fox or Franz Joseph however it’s nonetheless potential. Heli-hiking excursions depart from Mount Cook dinner Airport. You too can go for a guided boat journey on Tasman Lake as an alternative, permitting you to stand up near the icebergs and expertise a glacier from a unique angle.

Rob Roy Glacier

Situated close to the city of Wanaka within the Otago area, Rob Roy Glacier sits inside the heritage-listed Mount Aspiring Nationwide Park close to the headwaters of the West Matukituki River. At round 10 kilometres in size, it is likely one of the shorter ones on our listing.

Entry to Rob Roy Glacier is by way of the Rob Roy mountaineering monitor trailhead, which is requires a 50km scenic drive from Wanaka. As soon as on the self-guided or tour-guided path, you’ll be rewarded with views of the Matukituki Valley, West Matukituki River, beech forests, and a number of other waterfalls. There are a selection of viewing factors the place you’ll be able to hear for avalanches and probably witness glacier calving throughout the spring.

We should always point out that the 10km round-trip Rob Roy Glacier Monitor is quickly closed as a result of potential harm to the bridge that crosses the West Matukituki River. Development works are underway and are scheduled to be accomplished throughout the 2023/2024 summer season season, with sadly no present detours or various routes in place.

We additionally wish to inform you {that a} part of the street to the monitor is unpaved and due to this fact might not be allowed by rental corporations when renting a campervan, so be sure you analysis what the phrases and situations are of your rental settlement.

It isn’t widespread or secure for guests to stroll straight on Rob Roy Glacier itself. There aren’t any guided excursions or corporations that provide glacier mountaineering experiences, and due to this fact Rob Roy Glacier is usually considered from a distance by way of the viewpoints.

Really helpful Gear for Glacier Climbing

Whereas glacier mountaineering doesn’t require any prior expertise or coaching in mountaineering, there’s a number of specialised gear that you simply’ll utilise which you usually wouldn’t with conventional mountaineering.

Fortunately, almost all guided glacier hikes with respected corporations will present the majority of really helpful gear wanted for glacier mountaineering so that you gained’t must exit an purchase a bunch of high-priced gear or discover a method to pack all of it with out paying extra baggage charges.

Whereas glacier mountaineering is usually secure and may be loved by individuals of almost all health ranges, it may be bodily demanding and probably hazardous because of the ever-changing ice situations and crevasses. Being correctly ready and geared up will higher guarantee your expertise is a pleasing and secure one.

Your guides ought to give the group a security briefing after which concern everybody with specialised glacier mountaineering gear.

Supplied Tools You Shouldn’t Need to Convey Your self

• crampons
• harnesses
• helmet
• waterproof jacket and trousers
• trekking poles
• boots
• small pack for carrying gear
• hat and gloves
• ice axe

Important Gadgets You Ought to Pack and Convey Your self

• Sun shades
• sunblock
• lengthy snug non-restrictive pants (don’t put on denims)
• gown in layers with a breathable, but heat base layer
• lip balm

It’s all the time a good suggestion to speak along with your tour firm to see what gear can be supplied for you. For instance, some could or could not present boots. You’ll wish to have waterproof mountaineering boots which can be suitable with crampons. Crampons are important for offering traction on icy surfaces. Guarantee they match securely in your boots and have anti-balling plates to forestall snow build-up.

A helmet will defend your head from falling ice or rock particles, a harness and ropes could also be used for glacier journey and crevasse rescue, trekking poles can support with stability when traversing uneven glacier terrain, and avalanche security gear can also be issued reminiscent of a beacon, probe, and shovel in case one ought to happen.

Glacier mountaineering usually entails intense daylight and glare from the snow. Due to this fact, high-quality sun shades with UV safety and glacier goggles are vital for eye safety. That is additionally why sunscreen and SPF lip balm are vital as a result of regardless of what the temperature could also be, you can get sunburn whereas glacier mountaineering because of the reflection of the solar off snow and ice.

Laws & Security

Glacier mountaineering entails strolling on uneven, icy surfaces, which requires an inexpensive stage of bodily health. The extent of problem can fluctuate, from comparatively simple glacier walks appropriate for inexperienced persons to more difficult ascents for knowledgeable hikers.

Glacier mountaineering in New Zealand is once more sometimes performed by means of guided excursions supplied by licensed operators. These excursions are regulated by the Division of Conservation (DOC) to make sure security and environmental safety. Guests are anticipated to guide guided excursions with respected corporations, and these excursions usually embrace gear rental, security briefings, and skilled guides.

Earlier than planning a glacier mountaineering journey in New Zealand, it’s important to verify probably the most up-to-date info on laws, permits, and necessities from the Division of Conservation (DOC) or the particular tour operators within the space. Laws can change in response to environmental components, security issues, or different components, so it’s essential to remain knowledgeable and comply with any tips supplied by the related authorities and tour operators.

Components That Could Forestall You from Glacier Climbing

• Some excursions could not permit pregnant girls to hike for security causes
• Some excursions could have a weight restriction for security causes.
• There could also be a minimal age requirement to affix a tour
• Sure pre-existing medical situations could exclude you reminiscent of having sure coronary heart situations or ankle, knee, and again accidents.

Discuss along with your physician and the tour firm earlier than reserving to ensure you are match to partake in glacier mountaineering. Along with protecting your self secure, it’s additionally vital to make sure the preservation of those fragile environments.

Respected corporations and their guides will emphasise the significance sustainable eco-tourism. You’ll be inspired to go away no hint and respect the pure surroundings by minimising your influence. Some guides could actually push eco-focused excursions that educate visitors in regards to the glacier’s historical past, formation, and the influence of local weather change on these ice formations.

Search Out Testimonials Earlier than You Guide

We advocate you go browsing a analysis testimonials and critiques from individuals who have carried out glacier mountaineering in New Zealand to see whether it is best for you and to make sure you guide with a good firm. Testimonials are sometimes discovered on journey web sites, tour operator web sites, social media platforms, or boards the place travellers share their experiences.

Many glacier mountaineering tour operators in New Zealand function buyer critiques and testimonials on their web sites. These can present beneficial insights into the experiences of previous members, however take into account that they might solely show constructive critiques and omit unhealthy experiences from visitors.

Journey bloggers like myself usually present a extra lifelike account of journey locations and actions, to allow them to provide a wealth of knowledge that’s helpful for on a regular basis travellers. Likewise, journey boards and social media platforms like Instagram, Fb, and YouTube usually have journey fanatics who doc and share their glacier mountaineering adventures by means of photographs and movies. You’ll be able to seek for related hashtags or be a part of travel-related teams to examine their real-life experiences.

When studying testimonials and critiques, it’s a great follow to think about a number of sources to get a well-rounded understanding of the experiences and collect insights into what you’ll be able to count on throughout your personal glacier mountaineering journey in New Zealand.