Majestic mountains towering above, cascading waterfalls and rushing rivers beside us and plenty of winding scenic drives. We love New Zealand. I, Experience Oz’s Travel Writer, and two others have just begun our tour of New Zealand’s South Island – and we began it with a bang aboard a Fox and Franz Joseph Twin Glacier helicopter flight.
After driving the incredibly scenic and mountainous roads of Arthur’s Pass from Christchurch to the rugged West Coast, we arrived at our first destination, Franz Josef. As a short side note, for anyone who may want to take this path, plan to do the drive during the day – it gets dark early and you do not want to miss the highlights of Arthur’s Pass!
In Franz Josef, we woke early on a very sunny morning, ready for the scenic helicopter flight. Originally from Canada, we have explored mountains before and are used to the snow; but our prior expectations of the glacier flight were so far from what we actually enjoyed – a truly unforgettable, inspirational experience.
We flew over many of the alpine region’s most spectacular highlights and marveled at awe-inspiring views of the iconic and magnificent Mount Cook, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier and Victoria Falls, as well as other waterfalls, creeks, mountains and more. Part way through our in-air exploration came the most exhilarating moment of the journey, landing on a snow field on the Franz Josef Glacier!
There, we jumped out onto the vast snow field dressed in a fresh layer of snow and felt unbelievably alive. Unable to see any sign of civilization, we stood in the midst of the open, bright white field, surrounded by massive snow-capped mountains, strange and stunning ice formations, unique rocks with water rushing down them and unusual neves and crevasses, among many other spectacular sights.
Being surrounded by such unspoiled impressive beauty is an experience like none other – and one I recommend to all. To learn more about this memorable adventure and the unbeatable high it induces, read Experience Oz’s full review of the Fox and Franz Joseph Twin Glacier helicopter flight. Or check back here soon to read about what to do in Queenstown!
Book your glacier flights here!
