Aidan promised us beatuiful hot springs with no crowds and a snowy mountain backdrop. Sounded great, then he told us it was a long way from the car park. 17km to be exact. So on a beautiful Saturday morning we got up early, packed our bags and started the trek. Aidan had also promised us a lovely stroll though the woods. It started like this but then we had to cross creeks and scramble rocks. Most creeks had bridges, however the longest bridge was being repaired...

"Glacier Hiking is a must for the ardent adventurer" - Thats what the leaflet said, so we decided this was a must for us. Fully equipped in our Gortex Jackets, NZ woolen socks and gloves, boots and ice crampons. We looked the part. During the introductory talk our guide asked if anyone had climbed a glacier. Aidan stuck his hand up and said he had. When she asked where he realised he hadn't so made it all up. He dug such a huge hole and said we all wen...