Fox & Franz

Day 1: For our first familiarisation visit, we headed up to the West Coast to check out both Fox Glacier and Franz Joseph. The township of Fox Glacier is located approximately 4.5 hours NW of Queenstown, which made for an interesting bus ride with the 17 students and 2 teachers that all partook on the 3 day trip. Our first nights accommodation at the Ivory Towers wasn't quite up to my usual standards with dirty kitchen and wash-room facilities. Let it be known that I am clean freak, and am the person to be found carrying around hand sanitizer in my purse. Luckily for me, we only stayed at the Ivory Towers for the one night, and the rest of the trip was quite a success.

Day 2: Our 2nd day of the trip was probably one of the most jam packed days I have ever had. An early 8 am start ensured we could fit in as much as possible. If you couldn't tell by the name, the main attraction of Fox Glacier is indeed a glacier! So what better way to experience the sheer majesty of a glacier, than by helicopter? Our class was divided into 5 different groups as the helicopter we flew in was only big enough for 4 passengers.Fox and Franz Helliservices was the company we used for our helicopter tour, and they did a superb job. From the friendly, helpful, and outgoing driver to the knowledgeable and competent helicopter pilot. Our helicopter flight consisted of flying by the sheer west faces of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, with a stop on the glacier itself, where we were able to get out of the helicopter and take pictures of the breathtaking mountains. This was not my first experience in a helicopter as I flew in one in Hawaii several years ago. Although the whole Fox Glacier helicopter experience was only a half hour, it was as good as the 2 hour one I did over the volcanoes in Hawaii.

After a brief lunch break it was off to one of New Zealand's most scenic icons, Lake Matheson. There we went on an hour long interpretive walk, with a Department of Conservation official. Lake Matheson is said to be one of New Zealand’s most famous photo stops as the reflections of New Zealand's highest peaks, Mt Cook & Mt Tasman can be captured in its dark waters. It’s a pleasant walk and suitable for all fitness levels.

From Lake Matheson it was back into Fox Glacier where we were properly equipped and driven to the base of the glacier, where we embarked on a half day hike of the glacier terminal itself. The two guides we had were fantastic. Both knowledgeable about the area, and willing to interact with everyone in the group. During the half hour walk along the river bed to the actual glacier, we would stop periodically to ask questions and get an overview and history of the glacier and surrounding area. Walking on a glacier is quite good fun, but can be strenuous as there is a fair amount of endurance and agility required to climb its slippery slopes. After an amazing 4 hours on the glacier, it was back to the bus and another drive to the town of Franz Joseph. Unlike the first night, Glow Worm Cottages was a great hostel. It had friendly service and above all was CLEAN!

Day 3: Our 3rd and final day consisted of a morning kayak on the beautiful Lake Mapourika. Our group was split into two as we partook in a guided tour from Glacier Country Kayaks. As with the day before we were met with experienced and all around great guides. The owner himself was even one of them. By lunch time our trip had come to its conclusion, and we all piled back into the van for the long ride back to Queenstown. The towns of Fox and Franz are not to be missed on your trip to New Zealand. The scenery and natural heritage they both have to offer, speaks for itself. If you fancy another review, be sure to check out Kate's West Coast Review!