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A descent of the Fritz range on foot is regarded spectacular and classic. It’s not beginner territory and is usually descended in one long day on skis and two long days on foot. We have a similar winter version of this trip.
One of our guides, Gavin Lang, who has guided on the lower Franz Josef glacier, believes that no trip to the West Coast neves is complete without this “Franz-tastic” experience!
This traverse is designed to use basic mountaineering skills and good fitness while we negotiate some of the most spectacular terrain to be found in the Southern Alps.
The Summit
We fly up to the highest hut (2400m) close to the main divide. A climb of Grey Peak on the main divide, offering SPECTACULAR views. There are a couple of other small peaks on the way down. We may choose to climb over them, or travel around them. There is no problem with altitude sickness because we start from sea level, and the highest altitude we breathe at is 2882m.
The Sea
We spend the following days traversing down from the main divide back to the township of Franz Josef, taking in the incredible glacier formations, surrounding peaks, and views of the Tasman Sea.
The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers cut through dramatic glacial valleys to flow into temperate rainforest. While many glaciers world-wide have been retreating, these glaciers still flow almost to sea level, making them unique relics of the last Ice Age.
These 'rivers of ice' are easily accessible from the river beds.
We fly into high mountain huts, thus minimising load carrying and giving access to some of the world's most spectacular glacial terrain and surrounding peaks.
In addition to the satisfaction of each day's adventure your Guide will share a fundamental understanding of :
Sample itinerary
| Day 1 |
Meet your guide in Wanaka at 8:30am. Check equipment. Drive to the West coast township of Franz Josef glacier. We fly by helicopter into Pioneer Hut (which has the most spectacular view of any mountain hut in the alps) at the top of the Fox glacier. We learn or refresh skills to allow us to move comfortably in this environment |
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| Day 2 |
Today may be spent covering more skills, which include walking out on the Albert glacier |
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| Day 3 |
We head out to climb Grey Peak which takes us higher up onto the very spine of the Southern Alps. Views of Mt Tasman and the eastern glaciers and lakes are a treat while we have lunch. |
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| Day 4 |
We glacier-travel to Centennial Hut climbing Mt. von Bulow or Triad Peak on the way. We walk on the Agassiz glacier in this segment |
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| Day 5 |
We will spend another night here at Centennial, so we either have a rest today, or take a day trip up to Graham Saddle for views of the Tasman Valley. Graham Saddle is the watershed for the Franz Joseph and Tasman glaciers |
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| Day 6-8 |
Down the Fritz Range. Once the bulk of our food is consumed, we travel with all of our equipment down the Fritz Range. The West Coast has usual afternoon could build up so an early start is compulsory. Treat this descent as for any major climb. We will spend a night snowcaving upon the tiny and unique Baumann Glacier. On the final day of our trip we will ascend to the summit of Mt Moltke and descend to Castle Rock hut, which is a short steep walk from the blue ice of the Franz-Josef Glacier and the township. To complete the trip we stop by the beach at Bruce Bay for a celebratory beverage before driving back to Wanaka. |
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Logistics
| Duration |
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8 days plus 1 day weather contingency
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| Price |
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NZ$3,200* per person
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| Access |
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Fly-in, walk-out. If conditions don't allow us to walk out, we will fly from either Centennial hut or the Baumann glacier at an extra cost
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| Guide Ratio |
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1 guide : 2 clients maximum
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| Prerequisites |
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For your safety and enjoyment it is important that you are very fit and can handle carrying a pack weighing approximately 15kg for 6 hours a day on traverse days. Our climbing days will require only light packs
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| Season |
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Between October-January |
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| Accommodation |
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hut and perhaps a night snow caving |
| Bonus |
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One day weather contingency in case the weather is unfavourable at the start of the trip |
| More information |
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* Price includes NZMGA qualified guide, all meals and energy foods, hut fees, air access into the mountains. The price of a flight OUT is extra if this is required
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