The heli hike cost about NZ$ 300 combining 15 min helicopter trip plus about 2hours of hiking on the glacier.
I suggest that you plan at least two days here. Go for the hike as soon as the weather allows. A lot of the times, the trip will be cancelled due to the bad weather.
Gearing up. One advice if you do go for the hike. You don't have to wear overly thick clothing cos you will be sweating a lot during the hike and you might even feel very warm.. lol.. . And don't wear jeans, as the ice will wet your jeans and make it difficult for you to walk. The guide will request that you change into the provided pants if you do so anyway.
Inside the helicopter. It can take about 6 passengers
The sun is peeping through the clouds. Thank goodness as it was pouring non stop the previous day :D
The guide gave a short training before we start our hike. He jokingly tell us that the glacier is his office.. lol.. And notice that the guide is wearing shorts? lol..
And the hike begins. I must be the only crazy nuts who keep taking pix along the way. Most of other people are focusing on their walk.. lol
Ice formation
Ice melting
Another pool of melted ice
We are required to wear crampons to walk on the glaciers. The ski poles helped to balance when walking especially the slopes
The guide gave a short training before we start our hike. He jokingly tell us that the glacier is his office.. lol.. And notice that the guide is wearing shorts? lol..
And the hike begins. I must be the only crazy nuts who keep taking pix along the way. Most of other people are focusing on their walk.. lol
Ice formation
Ice melting
Another pool of melted ice
We are required to wear crampons to walk on the glaciers. The ski poles helped to balance when walking especially the slopes
The ice formation is so cool ~~
Taking a short break. Our guide doesn't seem to have much patience to wait for the rest of the group.. :P
Nice shapes of ice along the route
The guide will help to clear the ice for us to walk more easily. Some parts are really tricky especially since we are not used to walking on the ice.
About an hour or so into the hike. We began to sweat profusedly.. haha.. i was even wearing a thick jacket inside.. lol.. silly me..
See how fast the guide walks.. -___-""
Walking Back down the smoother glacier track
Don't they look like they are marching in one line? lol..
We are following the path that the guide walks on very closely.. lol
This is one of the tricky part..
Compare the man and the grand vista behind to give you a sense of the scale..
Another break.. to my relief.. haha..
The scariest part is this ice 'cave' (i'm not sure what's the correct term). It's narrow and very slippery.. For those with claustrophobia, might be a good idea to be behind the line instead.. :P
Glad to be out of the cave
Others are enjoying while we struggle to climb out of the cave.... haha
Near the end of the hike
A little bit more.. i can't wait to remove my thick jacket.. IT'S SO WARM..
Waiting for our helicopter to bring us back down
First group leaving while we wait
You should be reasonably fit for the hike as it could get a little tiring after an hour of walk in crampons. It's not too bad as it sounds actually. Use the trekking poles provided as it could help you balance a lot easier.
Overall i find this trip well worth the money spent and it's very memorable.
On the other hand, you can really feel the effect of global warming right here. The glacier is receding so fast that it's really scary to think what's going to happen to them in a few years time.
TO BE CONTINUED...
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