Fox Glacier Hiking Guide

Before going to New Zealand, we had planned to experience glacier hiking for sure. We wanted to witness the grandeur of the glaciers with our own eyes, to set foot on the millennia-old ice, to feel its solitude and pride. This would undoubtedly become the most unforgettable memory of our trip. We were also very lucky. On the day we arrived at the Fox Glacier town, we immediately booked the glacier hike for the next afternoon at the hotel we were staying at. Fox Glacier has three levels, and we chose the middle difficulty: Flying Fox: The Heli-Hike. Indoor documentary viewing + 🚁 helicopter + glacier hiking + glacier hiking instruction, about 4 hours of activities, 💰 cost for two people in total: $938 NZD. We arrived at the service center at the appointed time, measured our weight, paid the fee, got our wristbands, and watched the instructional documentary. The whole process was very smooth. Then, we took a shuttle bus to the helicopter boarding location. It was my first time on a helicopter, and I was a little excited and nervous. Flying over the town, the rainforest, and up to the glacier, we had a panoramic view of the magnificent Fox Glacier. The glacier hike was not as difficult as we thought. Two female guides led the way, and along the route, they carved out paths based on the direction of the clouds. The basic hike only involved going up and down slopes and some simple climbing techniques, with low difficulty but high physical exertion. The advanced ice climbing itinerary would take longer and require more stamina and skills. If the experience is the main goal, then this level of difficulty is sufficient. Along the way, we also experienced rope climbing, glacier caves, and glacier facial mud. The glacier facial mud was very fine, and when applied to the face, it provided sun protection and cooling. On the glacier, we tasted the cool glacier meltwater, which was refreshing and comfortable. We chatted and laughed along the way, and the 4 hours flew by quickly. ✅ Equipment Preparation Windproof pants, windproof jacket, quick-dry shirt, wool socks, hiking shoes, sunglasses, knitted hat (for warmth), gloves, scarf for face protection from the sun Crampons and trekking poles will be provided during the hike, and other outdoor equipment can be rented if desired. 🧥 Dressing Principle Follow the 3-layer dressing principle, make sure the inner layer is breathable, and the outer layer is warm and windproof. The temperature on the glacier is only 5℃ lower than the actual ground, which is not very cold, and you will sweat as you walk. 📝 Practical tips: 1. Be sure to pay attention to sun protection! The UV rays on the glacier are really strong! 2. Physical exertion is quite high during the hike, so you can bring some chocolate to replenish energy. 3. Weight will be checked before the flight, and you may be refused if you weigh over 200 pounds. 📍 Address: Fox Glacier Town, South Island, New Zealand ✅ Booking: Ctrip or local hotels will have corresponding services 🎫 Price: 499 NZD/person