Trek Notes - New Zealand

Fox Glacier Ice Adventure

Introduction
Fox Glacier is one of the largest and longest glaciers in the South Island and is certainly one of the most accessible, with the end of the glacier at only 250m above sea level and in a temperate rain forest environment.

Alpine Guides have been operating glacier walks and adventures since the early 70's and all their guides are fully trained and internationally qualified in mountain and glacier guided hikes.

There are a variety of tours available to experience Fox Glacier including half day and full day glacier walks and the Overnight Heli-Trek as detailed below:

OVERNIGHT HELI-TREK
For a complete mountain experience this overnight trip is unsurpassed. Climb a mountain, explore a glacier, overnight in an historic hut and feel the moods of the mountains over twenty-four hours.

Day 1: A thrilling flight by helicopter, over magnificent rainforest and ice pinnacles, takes you onto the Chancellor Shelf. Here the route ascends through snowgrass basins and accesses a broad ridge and a beautiful snow shelf A highlight is the final roped ascent to the summit at 2,004m that affords the best view of the Southern Alps and the magnificent snowfields that feed the Fox Glacier. While the guide prepares dinner, relax in the tussock, drink a glass of wine and watch the spectacular sunset on the Tasman Sea below.

Day 2: Depending on your interests and fitness, you have two options for this day. You can explore the fantastic alpine gardens and waterfalls of the Chancellor Shelf where there is a good chance of viewing chamois (mountain antelope), the cheeky Kea the world's only mountain parrot. A more strenuous option is to descend through the alpine vegetation zones to the glacier. The ice features of Victoria Flat can then be explored before the helicopter returns to pick you up in the afternoon.

Fitness level: A good level of fitness and agility is required. No prior experience is necessary.