After punakaiki, we added another travel mate, Miss H from China and proceed to our next destination, world rare reachable glacier.
For myself, glacier is a MUST GO place for this NZ trip.
Because global warming may take away the second chance.
And the famous glacier is NZ is Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier.
The only different between Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier Franz Josef is wider, Fox is longer.
Because of that, Franz Josef have a helicopter landing point which allow them provide helicopter transfer service.
While Fox only have trekking trip, and the ice is unstable.Quote from friend: In term of difficulty, Franz suitable for elder while Fox is to challenge young man with it 8 hours trekking.
This time, we chose Franz because we want to experience heli-hike.
Our Franz Package include heli-hike to mid of glacier, equipment, 3 hours glacier experience and hot pool entrance.
Price: 325NZD per pax
After we made our appointment at the counter, we received a wristband as entrance proof and a short briefing.
Remember never wear any Jean or pant easy get wet.
The Equipment included socks, ice-boot, crampons, water-proof cloth, hat and a pocket.
The strongly suggest us bring only what is given as anything fall into glacier will only come out after 50 years.
We required to put everything into the small pocket, including crampons. Which mean you’ll hardly bring your DSLR to the glacier, and it’s to have some cover for you electronic gadget.
After changing equipment, time for heli-hike!
Once we reached the middle of the glacier, the tour guide teach us to wear the crampons.
The young tour guide is also a NZWHer, she is only 24 years old and she is an experienced ski field worker. I am amaze with her courage and the experience she gain before!
In Malaysia, young people in such age normally just finish University or mostly sale experience.
At the same time, it’s a return trip for the team before us.
We found some interesting people.
For the whole journey, I almost forget most of them.
But we met 2 cute Taiwanese girl who staying same YHA with us too.
Since we had so many girl, let’s the photo tells the story:
Beside Glacier next attraction point is hot pool, which included in the glacier trip package. We just use the wristband as entrance proof.
In addition, I brought West Coast Wildlife Centre ticket from Grabone to have a peak for the Kiwi Bird.
Kiwi Bird is NZ national symbol.
It’s shy, small and weak, but the risk-less environment in NZ make it spawn a lot in NZ.
Now, mouse imported due to global trading had because a treat for them. and the Government had set up a lot center to protect them from distinction.Kiwi Bird is nocturnal and shy animal. Never use a camera flash to capture them whenever you spot them.
And that’s the reason why I unable to share the photo with you all.
However, I never think I have a chance to touch a Kiwi bird.
When I was watching the Kiwi, one of it ran into a touchable area.
After struggling with curiosity, finally I chose to touch it.
The fur of Kiwi was not soft as I think but it was really cute!
When I touch it, it turn its head, the long mouth hit my hand and shock itself.
I believe it long mouth always hit something and shock itself.
Suddenly, it’s my turn to get shock because the center staff run in and gave me warning. I’m felt really sorry for my action after hearing the warning:
The Kiwi Bird species in this center is one of the rarest species is the world, which around 400 left. Any contact, any terrify(such as flash) may lead to virus infection or trauma, lastly kill one of them in 400.
I just realize that the cost of this action is really big!
Lastly, is safer to enjoy such beautiful creation with eye only.
Lastly, some friend told me there are free Glow Worm sight seeing around Franz Josef.
We tried Terrace Walk Track but no result. According to YHA host it was due to cold weather in winter. Next time if you wish to view should come here during summer.
This was the end of west coast journey, next station is the Star in NZ——Wanaka and Queenstown.
