Franz Josef Glacier

What is a glacier? A glacier is simply the remaining winter snow that summer melt has been unable to remove from the cooler heights up on the mountains. Each year another layer of this surplus snow is added to the glacier. Time and its own weight soon transforms the residual snow layers into ice, which oozes its way down valley to be melted away in the warmer temperatures of lower altitudes. The glacier finally terminates where melt rates exactly equal the ice supply. That is a glacier.

Where is the glacier? West central coast of the southern island Close to the coastline

How was this glacier formed? Pacific and Australian plates form the Southern Alps Over this area, large amounts of rain and snow fall The eventual result are the glaciers

What’s the weather like? Average rainfall is 4700mm falling on about 178 rain days. However, there are many clear, sunny days - an average of 1860 sunshine hours annually Late summer and midwinter are particularly noted for milder than average South Island temperatures and high sunshine hours. Average Temperatures Summer days 10-21 degrees Celcius Winter days 2-12 degrees Celcius Daylight hours Longest day 5.30am - 10.00pm Shortest day 7.30am - 5.30pm

Touring History William Batson opens guesthouse in Franz Josef in 1900 Peter Graham takes his first trip on the glacier in 1903, which led to him and his brother becoming the dominant guides of their era The Graham brothers purchase the hotel off Batson in 1911, and glacier tours become a major tourism industry

What are some tour options? Half day glacier tour This is a 4.5 hour trip 1.5 to 2 hours are spent on the glacier 3/4 day glacier tour This is a 6 hour trip 3.5 to 4 hours are spent on the glacier Full day glacier tour This is an 8 hour trip 6 hours of this trip are spent on the glacier

What are the price ranges? Half day trip $80 per person ¾ day trip $110 per person Full day trip $135 per person

What does this cost include? Ice Talonz boot grips Talonz boots Gore-Tex rain jackets 100% wool socks, thermal gloves and hats Walking axes and trekking poles Free glacier guide book

This information is from Franz Josef Glacier Guides This information is from Franz Josef Glacier Guides. For more information, visit their site at http://www.franzjosefglacier.com/fjgg.asp