For those with a half-day available this popular trip is a great eco-adventure and full of variety and interest. Walkers are kitted out with sturdy leather boots and other equipment, before boarding one of our buses for the short drive through the rainforest and into the glacial valley. This valley was carved out by the ice during past ice ages and shows dramatic evidence of the power of the ice.
Your guide leads you on a walk beside the river bed to our secret track which zig-zags steeply up approximately 700 steps for 45 minutes through ferns and regenerating temperate rainforest. From high on the track you enjoy fantastic views of the glacier and its upper and lower icefalls.
From its high point, the track winds down to the edge of the ice. At this point you are outfitted with instep crampons specially designed for these ice conditions, and you follow the ice steps cut by the guides. The route takes you onto the ice amongst crevasses and ice ridges and leads you onto the middle of the glacier for spectacular views of the icefall and lower glacier.
At least one hour is spent on the ice and, depending on glacial conditions, you will return to the bus using either the same secret track or a different track that follows the edge of the ice.
Your guide will be with you for the duration of the trip and will enjoy passing on fascinating details of the natural history of this landscape.
Access to the ice varies as the glacier changes and alternative routes may sometimes be used.
Moderate to good fitness and agility is required. Involves steady, well-graded uphill walking for 45 minutes.
4 - 4.5 hours
All year round: 8.35am and 1.35pm
Extra trips in Summer: 9.35am and 2.35pm
Adult: NZ$ 95.00 (GST incl.)
Children: NZ$ 75.00 (GST incl.)
Family: NZ$ 273.00 (GST incl.)
( Valid from 1 Oct 2009 to 30 Sep 2010)
Adult: NZ$ 99.00 (GST incl.)
Children: NZ$ 79.00 (GST incl.)
Family: NZ$ 277.00 (GST incl.)
( Valid from 1 Oct 2010 to 30 Sep 2011)
Cost includes:
Guide, ground transport, boots and socks, crampons, raincoat, waterproof over trousers, alpenstock.
Please bring:
3 - 4 layers of warm upper body clothing (Jeans are not recommended on wet days as they become very cold and uncomfortable to wear).
Sunglasses and sun protection.
A day pack, a drink and snacks are useful.
Your own boots and raincoats may be suitable.
During winter months also bring a warm hat and gloves.
Special notes and conditions:
Booking in advance is advised to avoid disappointment.
Minimum age for children is 7 years.
The family rate includes a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children (7-16 years incl.) .
This trip does not operate on Christmas Day.
