A chilly spring and fickle summer is causing the Franz Josef Glacier in Westland to grow at a rapid rate. 

More snow and ice is flowing into the top of the glacier than is melting at the bottom causing the glacier to expand. 

Managing director of Franz Josef Glacier Guides, Mark Mellsop, says the growth is noticeable on a daily basis. 

He says it makes his job more challenging. Mellsop says huge chunks of ice tumble off the front of the glacier and crevasses open up which then require bridging. 

Mellsop's company monitors the constant changes and chisels safe pathways in the snow for tourists.