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Published: March 30th 2006
Lake Matheson
On the way from Franz Josef to Wanaka...Kia Ora from Franz Josef!
So first impressions of New Zealand? Lots of Sheep (12 sheep to every human), stunning scenery, isolated roads, kiwi slang...'sweet bro', 'yeah bro', 'sweet as', 'sweet'.
Having a great time here now. Left Christchurch early Monday morning to go to Westport. Not a great deal to do in Westport but the drive inbetween made up for it. Saw where bits of Lord of the Rings were filmed at Kura Tawhiti, which to the Maori's is a place of special magic. Further on we saw some absolutely majestic views of the Southern Alps before arriving in Arthurs Pass where we checked out Devils Punchbowl Waterfall...Sweet Bro!
The follwing day we departed Westport to Lake Mahinapua. Stopped at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes which was impressive. Arrived in Lake Mahinapua in the afternoon and met the most legendary owner. He was 80 years old, called Les, and had the best beard ever!! A real character! Also said he used to play for the All Blacks which is apparently true...! In the night we had a fancy dress party with the theme being bin bags. I decided to go dressed as a Nun and bought some
Franz Josef Glacier
Doing a full day hike on the incredible Franz Josef Glacier joke teeth and glasses from the toyshop. Some of the outfits were awesome. We had Alan Shearer, Batman and Robin (who won), bumble bees, julius caesar (who decided to take the little clothing he had off later on in the night!), a dutch guy dressed as a woman and heaps more......I didnt win.
Saw some amazing scenery today, wait till you see the pictures! In Franz Josef now which has rainforestry (is that a word?), lakes and glaciers. The lakes were created when the glaciers retreated and left huge chunks of ice behind that melted and so the water is so pure. Doing a 5-6 hour hike up the glaciers tomorrow which should be a great experience so will let you know how I get on soon!!
Rich.
p.s Planning to try learn the Haka.
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anonymous
non-member comment
Great travel blog. Thanks.