Glacier to Queenstown

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Franz Josef is a town near to the Franz Josef Glacier. The glacier walk was one of the things we both wanted to do before we got here. It didn't disappoint, we were kitted up with boots, ice talons, rain jacket, hat and gloves. We'd chosen the full day tour tio get more time on the ice though we weren't too sure how hard it would be. To be honest it was pretty easy as long as you dug your boots in to get a good grip on the ice. It's really weird to be walking on a huge chunk of ice and when you see the blue ice you can't help but be impressed. We went with a guide in a group of about 8. Debbie didn't fall this time it was me cutting through my combats and skin (but I'm ok mum). Anyway, once back from the glacier 8.5 hours in total with 6 hours on the ice we cooked ourselves a huge spaghetti bolognese.

The next day we left for Makaroa via the Haast pass stopping at Lake Mathesson for views of Mt Tasman and Cook (where we're hoping to visit before we leave). The lake shows upside down views of the mountains. We also stopped at thudercreek falls. We stayed in a traingular hut and at the pub they had a kareoke night. We avoided taking part most of the night until YMCA came on and they insisted everyone take part... Even Debbie!

One thing hard to describe is the spectacular scenery in the South Island, the rugged West coastline, hills and mountains, deep valleys, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. The bus driver fitzy did a very good job driving along narrow, twisty roads and narrow single track bridges.

After Makaroa we headed towards Queenstown with a stop at Wanaka where we decided to visit Puzzling World. It's here where you can see an example of the Ames illusion used in Lord of the Rings to make actors look bigger/smaller than each other. From Wanaka we went onto Queenstown where we got to stop at the World's first permanent commercial bungy sute. Debbie didn't want to do it but I've been wanting to since we got here and I think it's rude not too. After doing it, I'd recommend it even more than a sky dive as the ground rush is brilliant and it's fun just touching the water. From here we went to our hostel Discovery Lodge, my advice is not to stay here if you want more than 2 hours sleep. Next stop, the deep south.

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Photos

Bottom of Glacier
Looks better when you're on it.

Debbie on ice
Better than disney?

Mike on ice steps
The ice lift was out of order

Mike and Axe
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh

Down the glacier
The way back

Mike internet
Writing the neverending blogs on a "double double decker bus".

Deb at Lake Mathesson
In the background, Mt Cook and Tasman

Triangular hut
This is what we stayed in.

Mike in Ames illusion
I'm BIIIIIIIIG. By the way, for Thales people this was photograph 2087.

Deb and following faces
Even in the photo it hards to tell if they're concave or convex. They're convex, no wait I mean concave ;-)

Mike about to jump
Don't look down.

Mike bouncing
Booooooooooiiiiiing!

Mike picked up by boat
And I thought I had to climb back up!

Comments

[Chris]

Brave Mike!
Mike, I think you are either very brave or MAD to do a bungy jump. I'm glad Debbie decide not to do one - phew!! Seen the photgraphs to prove you actually did it! Well done Debbie to capture the moment.

[Nick Simon]

Ames Illusion
But Mike - you already were much taller than Debbie! Come to think of it, you're just tall!

[MikeNDebbie]

Hi Nick nice to hear from you. Good point, we've now got an excuse to go back to NZ to have another go ;-)