Blogs from Westland National Park, South Island, New Zealand, Oceania

Early start and painful hike out - the feet are quite serious about making the wanderer aware they haven't had a rest in a while. Out, up to Franz Josef to collect bits then back down to Wanaka ahead of the rain and then slow down with beer, pizza, and pool and other such "civilised" passtimes...... read more

So having completed the "8 hour" Mt Fox route in 3.5 hours yesterday, the "7 hour" trek today takes 5.5 hours...something wrong with the formula but nothing wrong with the scenery.... read more

Franz Joseph to Wanaka. We drove to Lake Mathesion which is the famous mirror lake on a clear day with no wind Mount Cook and Mount Tasman are reflected in the lake. Unfortunately the wind had blown up and cloud was over the mountains but it was nevertheless a great walk to the lake and they had a nice coffee shop! We then drove to Fox Glacier, we parked then took a short walk to a viewpoint but again cloud did not help the view. We set off again and came to a beautiful viewpoint of the rugged beach. We stopped at Sailors Creek and took a walk along the beach after spraying ourselves with insecticide to warn off the sand flies. We then went to a salmon farm and bought some pâté not the best ... read more

Happy Australia Day to us! If we were at home, we’d be drinking champas and downing bacon & eggs at our local community Centre. Instead we’re in still bed listening to a variety of choppers flying to the glacier. Brendan says this is like being amist the Tet Offensive during the Vietnam War . I did consider going for a helicopter tour on my own, but every year I hear on the news how at least one crashes every year, the latest being last September with 9 dead. I’m not taking any chances, even in the name of a good National Geo cover shot! We pack and leave by 0930 hours and drove a short distance out of town to the Glacier. About a kilometre or so from the glacier head there are already signs saying ... read more