Westland /Tai Poutini National Park

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April 10th 2006

Published: May 15th 2006

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kathleen

Lake Matheson

Mirror-image of Mount Cook/Aoraki and Mount Tasman

The routine nature of working in the hotel means that when I get a rostered-day-off, I make as much effort as possible to 'get away', explore the rest of Fox Glacier, and discover more about the surrounding area. I have travelled north for over two and a half hours, to the nearest large town of Hokitika to visit a glassblowing studio, driven 15km along Cook Flat Road to reach Gillespies Beach, and taken many photographs around the beautiful Lake Matheson. Famous for its perfect reflections, Lake Matheson is often referred to as the most picturesque lake in the world. Each time I go the weather conditions create a different atmosphere.

I am usually woken early to the sound of helicopters in Fox (flying up to check the weather conditions of the glacier) and keas. Keas are an alpine parrot found only in the upland and mountainous areas of New Zealand's South Island. They are highly social, inquisitive birds, whose cry is a very distinct 'keeeaa'. Their curious nature is essential for their survival in the wild. To live in this harsh and unpredictable environment, kea must be able to adapt to a wide range of conditions and make the most

Lake Moeraki

of any opportunity to find food. The size of the wild population is unknown - but is estimated at between 1000 and 5000 birds. Kea are a protected species and also very difficult to capture on camera!

It's actually not possible to see Mount Cook from where I live everyday as there is often cloud covering the view, however on a clear day the backdrop to Fox Glacier township, and especially viewed from a distance across farmland, is spectacular. I'm certain it will become one of my fondest memories.

Additional photos below

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