THE NEW ZEALAND GLACIERS

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Glaciers ... and the name motivates. It doesn't matter what you have to drive, or the way to go, or the climbs to the viewpoints to meet them from the front (or yes ...?). This was our next stop and one of the last of our tour of New Zealand: Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.

But, since in this country you cannot travel more than 50 kilometers without stopping to take photos, we decided to divide this stage into two days. In the first we go through the hawea lake, which surprised us a lot! Then we go through the Blue pools, tremendously blue pools perfect for daredevils who want to jump from the top of the bridge. And you could not miss some waterfalls, in this case the Fanfail falls.

The second day we start it in Haast, where we had spent the night in the parking lot of a sheep products shop and ... possum! A sign indicates that this is a charming town, we will remember the damn sandflies They left our legs and ankles as if we had chicken pox again. For that and for the majete burrito that lives in the haast beach.

From there we took the coast road, as always with unique wild beaches, and headed to the first glacier, that of Fox. And without planning we could see it from three views: the First from a viewpoint from where you can see the glacier in front, but at a distance. The third from a picnic area quite remote but with beautiful views and the second ...

The second from the most famous viewpoint, the one that runs along the path where the glacier once rested and that takes you to the foot of it. The truth is that it was disappointing ... sure that a few years ago (we don't talk about 200 or 300) the glacier from here would be spectacular, but given the how quickly it is regressing (at 70 cm per day) it is best not to expect anything, so as not to fall into a tremendous depression (ok, it is not so much ...).

We take this visit to see again our favorite kiwis-boluditos: Florcita and Martín, who have been working here for a few months. As always, we forgot to take a picture, but as always, we had a good time. We also saw, on this occasion for the first time, the Lake matheson, about km from Fox Village. In theory from here you get some superb photographs with the reflection of water, in fact there is a point called “Reflection Island Lookout". Another shit ... maybe at 7 in the morning, on a clear and windless day, have the fortune to take the picture of your life ... we don't.

The last of the glaciers is the Franz Josef, whose walk is longer and whose views are worse. I don't know if it was because of the clouds that covered part of the view, or if the glacier directly shows little, but it was the same or even more disappointing.

You have to be fair, it is a visit that does not hurt if you find yourself in the area and travel the west coast road, which in itself is a real attraction. But if coming to visit them is a considerable detour on the considerable route, it may be necessary to rethink it.

USEFUL INFO

Where to sleep.

One night we stayed in Haast, in the parking lot of a possum and merino products store (easy to find). You have to ask the lady if you can stay, there is a bathroom open 24 hours. In the town there is not much history ... The second night we stayed at the Lake Mahināpua campsite, a DOC campsite paying 6 dollars per head (there are no free campsites in this area). The campsite itself is very beautiful and has many amenities.

Visit to Fox Glacier

The first viewpoint is located on a turnoff to the right before passing a large enough bridge, 4 km before reaching the town (if you come from the south). The second (and most famous) is past the bridge taking a detour to the right, a road is followed for several km and you reach the parking lot. Then the walk takes about 25 minutes, doing something hard at the end. The third is a picnic area in the direction of Lake Matheson, which must be left on the right and follow the road in front. It is about 10 km from the town.

Visit to Franz Josef Glacier

The hike is 1 hour and a half round trip. The setting is beautiful but nothing spectacular if you've already been to Mt Cook.

Hokitika

It is a pretty city, with a library with unlimited Wi-Fi and the possibility of charging laptops (coming from Cromwell is a luxury).

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