Day 9 - Another day at Franz Josef

Tip:  Double click on 1 of the pictures in a post to view all the pictures for that post in a larger format.

On our 2nd day at Franz Josef, we woke up to the view (below) outside our window and knew it was going to be a great day!  We had decided to do the Roberts Point Track.  Up until this point, it was probably the most difficult hike I had done as far as terrain.  We were clamoring over boulders(larger boulders with slippery moss), tramping through creeks and walking on narrow edges but it was also very interesting hike and rewarded us with great views at the end.

Some NZ terminology: they don't call it hiking in NZ - its tramping.  And one thing I like is they define their terms...If its called a "walk" if it is a paved or well marked trail that is relatively flat.  A "tramp"is a challenging mostly unformed track.  A "route"is unformed tracks and requires backcountry skills.  You know what you are getting into.  Another thing about tramping in NZ: they don't believe in switchbacks.  For the most part, it is straight up.

view from our window

This hike had a couple of cool swing bridges.  Another common thing found on NZ tramps.

This is the sign at the beginning.  Sadly, 3 people had died recently on the track.  If you read the fine print though you find out that the key is to not try to cross the rushing river filled with glacial sediment and debris.  check.  

This cool stair case is bolted into the side of a cliff so there is literally nothing below you.  

At the end of the hike there was an overlook with a great view of the glacier.  We could see helicopters dropping people off to hike on the glacier (you can only do this with a guide service otherwise it is forbidden).

The glacier extends up over the mountain.  HUGE!

This is looking down the valley toward the Tasman Sea.

Old trampers hut along the way.

The way back down was just as challenging.  We both fell a few times on the mossy boulders and lost the trail briefly.  We made it back in about 5 hours and then headed over to Fox Glacier which is about 20 miles down the road.  We did the Lake Mattheson hike which when it is clear beautifully reflects Mt Tasman and Mt Cook but this is what we saw with the low clouds:

Then we headed closer to the glacier and did the Chalet Track.  Other than 1 tricky river crossing, it was a pretty easy walk to a nice overlook with a great view of the glacier.

Fox Glacier

There was no one at the overlook so we sat and enjoyed the view for awhile before returning to our car.  We'd only seen 3 other people on this great hike.  Again, we felt we had timed things well since we had just skipped doing another hike because 3 tour buses had just pulled up to it.

After the 3rd hike, we headed back to the holiday park and packed up our things to head out the following day - thankful that daylight lasts until 10pm.