From Christchurch we drove across Arthurs Pass, towards Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. The scenery on the route was stunning, and we stopped frequently to take photographs. This area is home to the kea bird. The kea is known to be a bit cheeky, and often steals food from unsuspecting tourists. We were lucky enough to spot one strolling past our parked car.

The sun was shining during our time on the east of the island, but as we crossed the mountains towards the west the sky filled with clouds and the rain started. We managed to stop at our campsite on the way past and get our tent set up before the weather got too bad. As soon as we got back in the car, the wind picked up and the rain got much heavier. We weren’t very sure what to do, but decided to drive towards the glaciers and see if things improved.

Luckily by the time we got to Fox Glacier, the weather was much better. We had heard that the glacier was receding, but we were in no way prepared from how far away from the viewing site it actually was! It could just be seen in the distance, but was not a spectacular site. If I were to go again, I would definitely splash out on one of the heli-hike tours which allow you to walk on the glacier itself. Otherwise, I certainly wouldn’t recommend the experience to others.

Luckily we redeemed the situation by discovering that Franz Josef town was home to some thermal baths. We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing there, and enjoying the warm waters before heading back to our tent. After the high winds earlier in the day we were relieved to find our tent still standing!

As the sun was shining on the return to the campsite, we stopped to admire some of the views that we had missed in the earlier storm.