Published on Feb, 2025
I chose this tour primarily for the transport from Franz Josef, normally I would not need a guide for a hike. I was so wrong, our guide, Jake, provided so much more. The two big pluses in having him as a guide was his very informative commentary on the rain forest trees, etc, and then guiding us to walk along the river bed. The first part of the walk is a cycle track, very easy underfoot and only small elevation gains. The return along the river bed is rocky, made easier with good hiking shoes/boots and poles. Poles are not necessary but useful. A very short, steep, slippery hike is needed to get from the river bed back to the track. For those who do not feel confident doing the river bed, there is an option to walk back the way we came. Tea, coffee, biscuits were provided.
Limited glacier views, but still very worth doing.
We did this in the early afternoon. The cloud had already come in so views were not as good as they might have been. I was in the Fox / Franz area for 3 days, on every day the mornings were glorious but cloud cover was total by mid day so, if you can, most hikes should be one early morning.