We arrived up the West coast yesterday to Franz Josef Galcier. The scenery on the 5 hour drive was the best we have seen on our trip, lots of mountains, really green lush rainforest, lakes and coastline with lovely blue sea. Once again we were in a YHA last night, and we were proudly putting the youth into the hostel, as everyone else was over 60. Our entertainment for the evening was watching all the old dears hang up there big pants on the washing line outiside our window! Today we were up earlier and drove 30k down the road to Fox glacier to go on a helihike. If you havent already realised we really like glaciers and this seemed a great way to see some more. We got aboard the helicopter and first flew over the glacier, before landing halfway up the 12k glacier. We got kitted out with boots and crampons (metal spikes to stick in the ice). Our guide took us on a walk over the glacier which was a little scary at times as we stepped over huge crevices, that went on forever. Once again we were amazed with the beauty of the galciers, and the wonderful blue colours in the ice. Again we were blessed with blue sky. We were hoping we may get to see some ice caves, and we wernt disappointed. Our guide took us to several caves, they were gorgeous. Plus we got to slide through them which was brilliant. Although we got very wet doing this, but it was so good crawling though the tight gaps, and the ice was so shiny and smooth. Craig managed to break another pair of sunglasses, thankfully we didnt buy him some real oakleys. The glaciers in New Zealand are different again to the others we saw in Canada and Chile. Here its bizarre as they are so low down and close to the ocean, only 200m above sea level, and surrounded by rainforest. The glaciers seem out of place. New Zealands weather is very similar to the UK, it snowed the other day and its summer here! Luckily just a dusting on the hilltops. Tomorrow we drive up to Greymouth our last stop with our trusty hyundi. Before getting the train back across to Chrsitchurch.