Franz Josef Glacier

Today we had been booked to go on a 'Heli-Hike' on the Franz Josef Glacier. This would have involved a helicopter flight up onto the glacier, followed by a 3 hour guided hike across the glacier, and then a helicopter ride down.
Unfortunately due to the weather (low cloud and imminent rain) this was cancelled as a 3 hour window of clear weather is required so that the helicopter can make the return trip. Naturally we were very disappointed.

There is a track which leads up towards the glacier, so we decided to walk there instead. It took about 2 hours for the return trip.
Today's main shot was taken at the far end of the track. It is not possible to get any closer to the glacier, as there are frequent rock and ice falls and the ground is unstable.
The first extra was taken from near the start of the track, and the second is a wide shot taken a bit further up showing the wide glacial valley and ice cold water flowing downstream.
In spite of our initial disappointment, it was a spectacular sight to see.