When you think of New Zealand, what first comes to your mind? Probably something like rugby, kiwis, or, for most people, The Lord of the Rings. Wait, it’s not glaciers?! SHOCKING!
Since I have returned from my (all-too-brief) trek to visit Kyle in New Zealand, this has been part of the overwhelming remarks I have heard: “I didn’t know there were so many mountains!” “I didn’t know it got that cold there!” “I definitely didn’t know there were glaciers!” Up until a few months ago, when spending time in this small island nation became a potential reality, I had no idea either. Located on the Pacific Rim, these islands were formed by ancient tectonic and volcanic activity, and, yes, that includes the gorgeous snow-capped mountain range known as the Southern Alps.
When I decided to make the 28-hour trip to Christchurch, Kyle told me about this cool activity he had seen information on – a glacier hike. Knowing I would probably never get the opportunity to do it again, I said, “Sounds awesome! Let’s do it!” So, over the weekend I was in town, we packed up the rental car and drove the 4 hours to Aoraki/Mount Cook – the highest peak in New Zealand.
Following a brief safety presentation and donning our winter hiking gear, we boarded the helicopter with our experienced guide Graza and a bunch of Chinese tourists. The flight from the teeny-tiny airport to the glacier was about 15 minutes. Along the way we had a bird’s eye view of the Alps, Tasman Lake, and our destination the Tasman Glacier. As the largest glacier in New Zealand, it was sight to behold! I have never seen a glacier in real life, so I was in awe anyway, but this thing was a massive representation of what Mother Nature is capable of creating.
kelsey v 