Greymouth

Drove from Franz Josef to Greymouth today. The route was pretty much like the town - grey and uninspiring. Strange to see Christmas being celebrated. Santa even turned up at a kids sports day.

Trans Alpine train trip was excellent, though Linda was not keen on the viaducts. (v high with no sides).

Discovered that the Addington area of Christchurch and the station are named after Addington Palace.

Weather miserable in Chrustchurch, so we are conditioned for our trip back to Blighty tomorrow. 36 or so hours door to door.

More glacier pics

Glacier Day!

We had a guided walk to the face of Fox Glacier booked for today, but not until 16:50, so we had to decide what to do until then. So ..... we went for a walk ..... To Franz Josef Glacier.

Now completely knackered; 4-5 miles walking over rough tracks, boulders and stepping stones.

The size and history of the glaciers is well worth the trip, though.

Addendum

The view from our motel room in Franz Joseph. It's very nice really ........

Ooops!

Forgot to say we also stopped at Puzzling World at Wanaka.

Malcolm.

Franz Joseph

A very scenic trip from QT to Franz Joseph today. Pretty much straight down SH6, see photo.

Got our first look at Fox Glacier (see photo). We have booked a guide walk to the face of it tomorrow.

Pub!

Found a real English-type pub (except for the beer if course). It's the Pig and Whistle in Queenstown and we're having Fush and Chups.

Malcolm.

Queenstown Text

Went to Arrowton today and stumbled across their "Long Lunch" tradition. It turned out to be long in time as well as length.

It's a small place, but big in character and offers plenty if walking. Explored the old Chinese settlement where all the immigrant gold miners lived (Linda didn't find any gold, but she tried, see photo).

Went to the museum. Funny really - does history really start only 160 years ago?

Malcolm.

Queenstown photos