Cyclone Debbie disrupted our travel plans today. We were planning on travelling to Christchurch and then back to Nelson up the east coast, but this morning her tail end was whipping around Christchurch and as a result several roads had been closed because of landslides or the threat of them. The only affects we have witnessed was heavy rain all night. So this morning we decided to continue onto see the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and to return back the way we came to Nelson. It is a bit ironic that the worst weather they have had for 50 years has been at the start of our trip in Auckland and again just before we are leaving as there is so much more we would like to see.

The weather this morning started very cloudy and dark, but gradually improved throughout the day until yet again we witnessed an incredible sunset this evening.

We had another lazy drive to see the Glaciers which are very impressive from a distance. We didn't trek to see them close up as we didn't have the right gear (and it was warmer in the car!). We are staying in Okarito a small community by the sea, just next to a fantastic beach. We took a walk to the beach just before sunset and watched the sun sink over the Tasman Sea leaving behind glorious pink clouds streaked across a blue sky. It more than made up for the disappointment of not seeing Christchurch.