Franz Josef
Trip Start
Sep 06, 2004
1
49
70
Trip End
Ongoing
Franz Josef,
New Zealand
Monday, March 7, 2005
In the end the only way I was going to get to the top was to fly there in a helicopter. No I wasn't too happy about this, but I was only coming this way once and I didn't want to miss it.
I told Scottie our driver and he phoned ahead with all of our choices. The DOC has now limited the number of people who can go up the glacier each day, this is to stop any erosion and damage to it.
We arrived in Franz and head straight to the activities centre to pay for our trips. I was the only one doing the helicopter ride so I didn't have to cue
1.On our way
. I spoke to a very nice girl who told me that the weather the next day was going to be bad and they didn't think that there would be any flights (I was a little disappointed, but I wasn't that thrilled on going in a helicopter anyway). She then went on to say that they had one spare place on a flight a 3.30pm that afternoon and that they had upgraded me and I was going on that flight if it was ok with me.I little info about the trips. I was going to pay $120 for a 20 min flight that included flying around the Franz glacier landing at the top and being able to walk around for 3 mins.
The upgraded trip: cost $360 you are in the air for 45 mins you fly around Franz, fox and the Tasman glaciers and Mount Cook you also get to walk around for 8 mins.
All in all I was getting a bloody good deal; the only problem was the length of time in the helicopter. I knew that I would be able to keep my stomach in its rightful place for 20mins, but 45 I wasn't sure.
The lady saw the look on my face and asked if it was ok. I realised that I was being bloody ungrateful and should jump at the chance. I quickly backtracked, thanked her kindly, paid my $120 and legged it double quick outside encase they changed their minds. Once outside I panicked. I phone Esther and after she had called me a jammy tart- well something along those lines, she told me not to panic
10.take off
.Back on the coach the girls were great; Emely even gave me her lucky pebble to take along.
Time was getting a bit tight, as we had driven to the bottom of the glacier to have a quick look. I was first in cue at the hostel to book in, I dumped my stuff, made sure I had my camera, memory cards, spare batteries and ciggies and head into town to go on my trip.
I got to the centre and the lady that I had spoken to earlier was there and she said they were just waiting for a couple of people who were late.
When they turned up the five of us were lead over the road to the helipad and waited for the helicopter to land, the lady who had taken us there had gone over the safety rules about getting into and out of the helicopter, we were then taken over, it was very windy. I was in the front seat with another girl, not sure if I wanted to be there, but at least I would get some good photos, headphones and seatbelts in place and off we went. I can safely say that this isn't my favourite mode of transport, but the views were amazing and you can see from the photos. I just wish that the pilot had wash the windscreen first there are dead bugs on my photos.
There were two other helicopters up here as well and we were all very close, but they do this loads of time as day and it is all very well organised.
Flying around Mount Cook was amazing there were a few clouds, but it just added to the atmosphere.
We landed at the top of the glacier and it was very strange, the weather was very good and quite warm and I was standing in snow yet sweating from the heat of the sun
2.Franz Glacier
. Walking was a bit difficult as the snow was soft and every time you took a step you sunk. One of the other passengers took a couple of photos of me.Back into the helicopter, I was in the back this time and we were off again.
We landed and headed off of the landing sight.
Once I was back on the ground and had had a ciggie I felt much better and realised that it really didn't feel like 45 mins and it was a great trip.
I felt a bit guilty about my initial response to the news of an upgrade, so I went to the local shop and brought a box of chocolates for the lady in the centre and dropped them off.
She seemed a little surprised, but I explained that I didn't want her to think that I was ungrateful and the only reason for the hesitation was the fact that I didn't really like flying and I had never been in a helicopter and I wasn't sure I could last 45mins. She thought this was very funny, but asked if I had enjoyed it. Yes I had.
The next day most of the group were going to do a day hike up the glacier, the rest of us got up late and had a lovely breakfast and then lazed around until the troops returned. Another first for me on this trip. I can safely say that I don't like helicopters but if needs be I will go in one again.
The next stop was Queens town, but I was getting off in Wanaka, to meet up with Esther, she had been working at a hostel there and Wanaka sounded lovely.
Back on the bus again.
