16 June 2015 (Tuesday) : Hokitika - Franz Josef Glacier - Fox Glacier

Today, we will enter into the World of nature's wonder. 

A scenic drive from Hanmer Springs (departing at 0800 hours) through lush Canterbury plains, spectacular river gorges and stunning snow-covered peaks of the Southern Alps. We will stop over at the famous town of Hokitika for an hour lunch break.

Welcome to Hokitika, the cool little Town!

(Estimated time of arrival : 1130 hours)

Popular with history buffs and the setting for numerous NZ novels. The town's riches come in many forms. Founded on gold, today the town is the stronghold of indigenous pounamu (Greenstone), which jostles  for attention amid many other arts and crafts, drawing rafts of visitors to the town's wide open streets. If time permits before we head towards Franz Josef Glacier, we could consider the following optional tours.

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Optional Tour @ Hokitika region: Dorothy Falls

 

 An easy walk. Time: 2 minutes. Access: Carpark beside bridge at Dorothy Falls Rd on eastern side of lake. Features: Short path to pool at base of best local falls. Awesome in a good rain.

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Optional Tour @ Hokitika region: Hokitika Gorge Track (Walk)

Fun Facts: What is a gorge in geography?  (Click here)

EASY - Buggies/Strollers ok
Time: 15 minute return
Access: 25km east of Hokitika. Turn inland onto Stafford St from SH6/Fitzherbert St and follow the yellow signs saying Hokitika Gorge. Be prepared for lots of turning! (Passes Kowhitirangi Incident memorial on route).
Features: Top rated activity in Hokitika on TripAdvisor! A picturesque 35km drive leads to this gorge, a ravishing ravine with unbelieveably turquoise waters coloured by glacier 'flour'. Look out for the walkway and swingbridge.  

Photo credit: Adrienne Sidal

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Glacier  Country - Franz Josef Glacier

(Estimated time of arrival : 1430 hours)

 

 

 Soon after lunch (1230 hours) and insights with nature's creations, head south of Hokitika is the start of Glacier Country (1.5 hours drive).  

The West Coast of New Zealand is one of only two places in the world where you can view glaciers descending into temperate rainforest and they are the most accessible glaciers in the world.  

Fun facts: What is a Glacier in geography? (Click here)

From the mountains to the sea, you won’t want to miss any of it. Active adventure, relaxation or family fun all against the backdrop of spectacular scenery, New Zealand’s Glacier Country offers something for everyone.

Create your own unforgettable Glacier Country experience from the wealth of things to do in Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, Okarito and the surrounding area. 

Check out the weather at Franz Josef Glacier from this link. Live cameras.

 

Fun Facts: How are Glaciers formed? (Click here)

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Glacier  Country - Fox Glacier 

(Estimated time of arrival : 1630 hours)

25 minutes from Franz Josef village, we will head further south of the island to Fox Glacier. It is the name of both the glacier and the nearby village though the Maori names are different. Fed by four alphine glaciers, Fox Glacier / Te Moeka o Tuawe is longer and faster moving than the Franz Josef Glacier / Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Its terminal face is just five kilometres from the village.

Check out the weather of Fox Glacier from this link. Live cameras!

What to eat ?

In need of Asian fusion? Check out Eighty Eight Asian Fusion.

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End the day at our 4th night accommodation at: 

Rainforest Retreat
46 Cron Street 7856 Franz Josef, New Zealand

Phone: +6437520220