We had a wonderful stay in Greymouth but had to move on so it was back in the car for the 170km drive to Franz Josef, home of the 1st of 2 glaciers along this coast.We arrived into town a little after midday and found ourselves a cheap hostel then drove up the track that leads to the glacier car park, it was a really slippy road and muddy our little car struggled but did us proud and we made it to the car park.Our first walk was a short hike around 30 minutes round trip to the lookout point that gives really good views of the glacier and the surrounding mountains. Once down off this track we took the forest hike which takes you a bit closer to the glacier the route we had wanted to take had been shut by the rangers due to adverse conditions.We finished off our trip to the glacier with a hike up to Petes Pool to look at the glacier straight on but you also got some lovely reflections in the pool as it was just like a mirror. We had dinner out as the hostel kitchen was a little bit manky so we went out and had a starter each in a restaurant, which filled my big toe!!!!!
Tomorrow we take the short drive (about 30 minutes) to the 2nd glacier at Fox,which we are contemplating doing a HeliHike on(if we can get a slot),so watch this space.We have added lots more photos from our time in Wellington and the North of the South Island.
Kia OraM & M