We woke early for breakfast and the bus to Franz Josef. The walk to the bus was not so much fun as it was torrential rain and down hill with suitcases!
Once down the very steep hill the journey to the bus became more interesting as the pavements were flooded to above my hiking boots. This left us no option but to use the road but in the darkness of the early morning this was not exactly a safe option.
Fortunately we made it to the bus stop where we waited for the bus. This turned up on time and we started the journey to the Glacier. After 90 minutes we reached our first stop - the fresh fruit and veg stall. On getting back on to the bus we were confronted with the news that the roads to Franz Josef had been closed due to landslides as a result of all the rain. It was mentioned that one third of their annual rainfall had fallen in the last 24 hours.
Therefore we had no option to turn back to Queenstown. I rang the previous hostel who luckily had a room free - a twin private room - yay luxury!!! Although slightly more expensive we took it. Due to the horrid weather we ended up having a movie/coach day, watching love actually and romeo and Juliet. Then dinner and bed or well at least I had hoped I would go to sleep - this actually only happened after a couple fighting in the room next door resulting in her storming out and some random person attempting to play the titanic theme on a recorder!
The next morning we rose early to a feeling of deja vu. We got our bags and lugged them down to the bus stop again in the hopes that the roads were now open.
This time we made it as far as
Wanaka, still not knowing whether they were opening or not. Fortunately they now were and we made it on to the road to Franz Josef - phew!
Although no let up in the weather. As soon as we crossed the road - seeing the remainder of the landslide, the heavens opened again and this time included strong winds, hail, thunder and lightning. Needless to say we went straight to bed on arriving as there was nothing else to do.
Franz Josef is a rather small place consisting of a supermarket, garage and gift shop pretty much so we weren't too happy when we awoke to more of the same weather. Supposed to be doing a helicopter trip and glacier hike we phoned ahead instead of venturing outside.
Our suspicions were realised and our tour had been cancelled and postponed to the next day in the hopes of an improvement in the weather - no guarantee tho! We were left thinking this is going to be a long few days as the roads were yet again closed so no escape!
So we ended up sat at the hostel watching Frozen and eating the pepper soup!