After leaving Abel Tasman, we drove south towards Franz Josef, but stopped halfway to sleep at Punakaiki which we nicknamed Pancaky. This area is known for the Pancake Rocks which we checked out on a rainy morning before driving the second part of the way to the glacier.
The rocks were pretty interesting to look at, but I think the locals take it too far. As we entered the park area a big plaque read:"In an age when it seems everything has been explained, nature hangs on to a few mysteries. The Pancake Rocks of Punakaiki are one of them."
Fortunately I was traveling with Dr. Smick who was able to give the rocks a quick once over and solve the mystery.
When we got to Franz Josef the weather was not looking so good. In fact, it was pretty much a downpour situation. As we made plans for our glacier tour, we found out that it had been raining for three weeks straight. Somehow though, sun was forecasted for the next day. Our fingers were crossed as we slept that night.
And the next morning was gorgeous. We got equipped with some waterproof jackets and trousers and some wet boots and soon we were on the glacier. The whole experience was pretty surreal, especially as we squeezed through the cracks and climbed down into a tunnel which was supposedly the coolest "feature" they have had in the past two years. The ice down there was so blue!
From Franz Josef we drove through the mountains and along the lakes to Wanaka. I actually can't say too much about it because I was sleeping most of the time. Who knew climbing around on a glacier would be so exhausting? When we got to Wanaka, Noah was in need of a nap too, but since Wanaka came so highly recommended by Rony (and since we only had one day there), we went out for a tramp.
The hike up the mountainside was so steep. If we had been in the States, there would surely have been a fence. But not here, can't swap views for safety!
As we neared the peak, we got to the grassy tussock area. Beautiful! Even the sheep were amazed by the views.
The next day we rented some mountain bikes to explore the single track around Wanaka. The trails were pretty hard, and Noah had to brave the black diamonds by himself.
Then we were off to Queenstown. More on that, plus Kepler Track and fjords to come!
I told you the glacier was super tiring!!!
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