Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers

Today we rode in a helicopter over Franz Josef / Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere and Fox / Te Moeka o Tuawe glaciers.

Interesting notes on the Maori glacier names. Hine Hukatere and Tuawe were lovers. When Tuawe died, the place where his body came to rest formed the Te Moeka o Tuawe (or Fox) Glacier. At his death, Hine Hukatere was so distraught and cried for so long that her tears formed the Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (or Franz Josef) Glacier.  If you ask me, these are much better stories than being named for Prime Minister of New Zealand Sir William Fox after he visited in 1872. Or being named for Emperor Franz Josef I of Austria (and uncle to Archduke Franz Ferdinand) by a German explorer (Julius von Haast).

Spectacular is an understatement. We were treated to the most amazing, cloudless day. Looking at the photos, it hardly looks real. Here are some highlights:

The helipad with the mountains and Franz Josef Glacier behind

Our helicopter coming in for us to board

Any facial analysis experts out there? I can't tell if Cameron is excited to be flying in a helicopter.

Looking out the window (toward the rear of the helicopter) to the rain forest and Tasman Sea

On approach to Fox / Te Moeka o Tuawe Glacier

We were able to get out of the helicopter and
walk around the glacier for a while

It was stunning. Warm and very (very!) sunny

John and Cameron

Family photo!

Allison checking out the snow with the helicopter behind

After some time outside, we got back on the helicopter and began the return flight. We flew from the Fox / Te Moeka o Tuawe Glacier over the Franz Josef / Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere Glacier and back to where we started

Allison looking at the Fox River heading out to the Tasman Sea

Coming in for a landing