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The glacier terminal of Franz Josef is a wonderland of vibrant blue ice and while its crevasses, ice caves and flowing rivulets make it the perfect winter playground, in summer the scenery is even more dramatic. Franz Josef benefits from long hours of direct sunlight, making the experience somehow crisper - and far warmer - during summer months.
The guide centre offers four different activity options, each with varying levels of difficulty and required skill. The full- and half-day trips allow you to explore the cool lower reaches of the glacier, after experiencing the humidity of the surrounding rainforest. They are more adventurous than the glacier valley walk, which places emphasis on geographical information and history, guiding you through rugged terrain, 'Franz shuffling' down vertical walls of ice and into the magnificent ice falls. The heli-hike takes you higher up, to where the ice is untouched and the scenery spectacular. Photo opportunities abound on the scenic flight and two-hour guided hike. Prices start at $60 and include Gortex outerwear, glacier boots and the benefit of a highly trained guide.
Franz Josef Glacier Guides (00 64 3 752 0763; www.franzjosefglacier.com)
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