Helicopter Ride over Glaciers

Another biggie on our trip.  Only the second helicopter ride for me and a first for my sister.  We were taking the 40-minute ride to see two glaciers and go around Mount Cook.

First we had to review all the important safety precautions.  #1 - don't raise your hands when you are under the blades.  Fingers can go missing.

We followed a staff member across the highway and down a short, wooded path.

There were six helicopter pads but only two were occupied.  Tourist numbers were low because the country had just opened back up to visitors. 

We were the only ones that had prebooked the flight.  Two other couples walked in off the street.  Due to weight, we were only on the helicopter with one other couple.  I can't imagine fitting four people across the back of this machine.  They arranged us all by weight so the helicopter wasn't off balance. 

We hadn't gone far before we crossed over the Waiho River that runs off of Franz Josef glacier.

Just starting to see Franz Josef Glacier.

Rocky, silty area at foot of glacier

Our flight was supposed to include a trip around the peak of Mount Cook, the highest point in New Zealand, but clouds moved in, and we didn't get there. Bummers. 

Anyway, we followed Franz Josef glacier up to its top. 

There are the clouds that move in on us. 

The pilot turned the helicopter around so we could see back down the glacier. 

We traveled over some ridgetops and looked down on the Fox Glacier valley 

Then the pilot turned the helicopter so we could see the top of the glacier. 

At this point we are approaching our landing spot...

Yes, we landed in the snow. 

Now we could look at Fox Glacier without windows. 

Our helicopter on the snow 

Looking down Fox Glacier

The clouds came in and we moved off the snow, but the clouds cleared quickly.

Heading down the Fox Glacier Valley to lower elevations we saw the Chancellor Hut.  What? You can't see it?

Can you see it now?  Probably not but that gives you an indication of the size of the glacier.  This red-roofed hut is one of many used by serious hikers.

Fox River as it begins off the foot of the glacier. 

Crossing back over the Waiho River on our way back to the helipad.