Day 359: Franz Josef Glacier

Amazing amazing hike day! The weather forecast wasn’t promising but we were blessed with perfect weather to hike 5.5 hours up to the Franz Josef Glacier on the Robert Point Trail (7.15 miles with 1755ft elevation gain).

The hike is technically challenging because you cross waterfalls and then scramble up wet exposed rocks; hiking boots and feet placement were key. After intense elevation gain, you come down a small hill and are greeted with the glacier hanging over the mountain edge. The cliffs were super sheer and long waterfalls flowed down them. While chowing down on sandwhiches, keas flew around us squawking.

While most return journeys are quicker, we had to take our time coming down; a few slips and slides on the rocks. Luckily no one got hurt or twisted an ankle.

The drive to our next accommodation winded through diverse landscapes with valleys, flat ocean cliffs, and another mountain pass (Haast). We treated ourself’s to a little triangle house accommodation and gobbled up ramen, hot chocolate, and wine.

Hotel: Makarora Wonderland Lodge

Spots:
Franz Josef Glacier
Robert’s Point Hike
Bruce Bay
Haast PassRead more