Due to rock and land slides causing unfortunate loss of life a month ago, and subsequent rain, the Haast pass highway had been closed to Franz Josef from Queenstown intermittently. However, mid journey there were reports that the roads were open, permitting onward travel, which meant no coming back to Queenstown as had been anticipated. Although, there were still considerable traffic pile ups as monsoon helicopters cleared rubble with water. This was time consuming, but no drama. Not like we had to be anywhere for specific a time. Our time was our own, until we needed the rest room!

So we arrived late into a grey and rainy Franz Josef, the bus driver taking pity, dropped us all off at respective accommodations. As often is the case whilst travelling, bumping into fellow backpacker/s along route is not uncommon. So here we caught up with Hannah who we'd met in Queenstown, a young crazy Brit. In fact we shared a dorm together!

There are many many walking routes in Franz Josef, the three of us decided to walk to the foot of the gigantic Franz Josef glacier. Although overcast, it was still remarkably special.

Our second nights stay was without Hannah, as she literally moved next door due to shortage of space. K and S ended up gate crashing a glow worm expedition that was being hosted by next doors hostel, with Hannah. Walking in the pitch black, clinging onto one another with tight grips, with Blair witch stories floating around, and seeing limited crawlies with fluorescent poo (aka glow worms!) was a load of crock, but extremely extremely funny nonetheless.

One of our highlights was finding out that H and L have booked their tickets to Malaysia. Ecstatic being an understatement, we processed to dance in the hostels corridors with Milkshake, the resident cat!