My scenic climb

New Zealand always offers something for everyone. But, if you are a nature lover, you should explore the country on your foot. The country has many great walks for hikers to be indulged in. The hikes in this country are spectacular and expose you to the wildlife and nature in its purest form.

One of the best places in New Zealand for hiking is Franz Joseph glacier and I decided to go there for hiking. First I went to purchase hat, gloves, gear, big jackets including waterproof jackets, woolen jersey, shorts, lightweight towel, etc., for myself. After a short bus ride, I arrived at the glacier. From there, it was almost 2 miles away and up.

For the first hour of the hike, it was very hard. I was going through the field of rocks, and then climbing mountains through narrow passages, rocks, ice caves as well as steep steps made in ice.  I have a huge fear of falling, so I was going too slow and was also climbing mountains very carefully.

Though it was tough, I was enjoying the hike, making steps in the ice on steeper areas with my axe. I was going with a group, and enjoying amazing views – ice caves, the crevasses, melted ice pools, deep holes and the pure blue color of ice. We saw one green, golden colored parrot; our guide told us that it was Kea Bird. The walk was too amazing as the weather was beautiful. Everyone was enjoying scenic beauties of the glacier.

I was moving forward with a group along with one guide and then suddenly we heard a crack sound underneath our feet! And one more. Everyone was scared as everyone thought it might be an earthquake, but fortunately nothing happened.

Then the guide told us, we were walking on top of the river, which was totally covered with ice. After walking for 4 hours, finally we reached to flat area at glacier, where we had our food. Now it was a time to go back, for returning we took different way to see beauty of nature, other magnificent caves, paths, crevasses. While returning we saw some noticeable crevasses and we were waved goodbye to caves and beautiful blue ice. Everyone was very tired, our guide was telling us to walk fast but everyone was just unable to.

Finally, we reached at the base from where we had started our hike. Though I was too tired, I enjoyed the hike a lot.