View across lake

Leaving Franz Joseph

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December 16th 2012
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 ... read more

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Westland National Park

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The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year... ... read more