New Zealand - Glaciers


Deborah got to experience her first helicopter ride when we took a scenic flight up the Whataroa River Valley to the glacier clad Southern Alps. We opted for the shortest, most affordable option, which didn’t take us all the way to the tallest and most spectacular peaks (as did the flight I took 25 years ago), but it was still fun and a unique perspective to see mountains and glaciers from above. Later that same day we drove down to Franz Josef Glacier and hiked as close as we could, which was 750 meters (nearly 1/2 mile) from the terminal face. Not that close really. Supposedly you can get closer to neighboring Fox Glacier but the access road was closed so it was not an option. Both of these major glaciers are retreating rapidly, with Franz Josef losing about 800 meters (1/2 mile) in length just since 2008 – one of the fastest melt rates in the world. So no getting up close and personal with the ice this trip, but at least the retreating glaciers leave some interesting rocks and landscapes in their wake.



Hokitika Gorge. The beautiful turquoise color is due to "rock flour" - a product of glacial erosion that creates mineral-rich rock particles so small they remain suspended in the meltwater.


Inside the helicopter with a glacier up ahead.











The Southern Alps


Aoraki/Mt. Cook on the left is New Zealand's highest peak at 3724 meters (12,218 feet).


(photo by Deborah)


Back on terra firma


Waterfall on the trail to Franz Josef Glacier
(photo by Deborah)


(photo by Deborah)


The rather distant Franz Josef Glacier


Zoomed in


Glaciers leave their mark
(photo by Deborah)


(photo by Deborah)


(photo by Deborah)



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