Franz Josef Sunday 2nd February

We set off from Christchurch at 0830 for the long “scenic drive” to Franz Josef.

It didn’t really work out that way: the rain, clouds and mist made it a gloomy trip with few opportunities for photographs.

Between Christchurch and Arthur’s Pass high Leylandi hedges are needed to protect cattle, sheep and crops from the strong Nor’Wester wind. It just rained and rained.

Arthur’s Pass is one of three passes through the Southern Alps. The Alps form the backbone of South Island.

We drove through Arthur’s Pass in unremitting rain and gloom, reaching 930 m above sea level.

Lunch stop in Hokitika, the Jade capital of South Island

By the Tasman Sea
The rain miraculously took a short break at the right time!

Back in the gloom and rain we drove down the coast through Ross, where some gold is still found, through Harihari and Whataroa to Franz Joseph.

It was a 10 minute delay here. The road was damaged in many places by a big storm in December. The local population reopened the road themselves instead of waiting for the government.

Our Franz Joseph Hotel. The whole group went together to a nearby sports bar for dinner. We were like a crocodile of turquoise golf umbrellas on the way there and back; much too wet to take a photo.

The rain may threaten our walk to the glacier tomorrow. It has been moved from morning to afternoon in the hope of improved weather. Fingers crossed we get there.

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