Got up at 5:00am. OMG! Well early. Went out for a little walk around the block until breakfast was served. Coach departed at 7:30am for the railway station where we boarded the Trans Alpine Train. First hour a bit boring as you travel through the Canterbury Plain and the outskirts of Christchurch and nearby towns. Eventually reach the Southern Alps and things improve. Tried taking photos through the window but the bright sunshine just caused loads of reflections so really not possible to take shots looking down. OK if shooting high as the reflections are much less intrusive but you soon get a bit tired of taking shots of unknown mountains.
Left the train at Arthur’s Pass. The coach had arrived before we did so we just rejoined the coach. We then drove parallel with the train track and caught it up. Interesting.
Took a few shots of the train we had just left. We then headed for the west coast and then drove down the west coast road to Hokitika (see photo of clock tower) where we visited a jade factory and had a spot of lunch. Then continued down the coast before cutting inland to the Franz Josef Glacier. We had wanted to take the helicopter flight that takes you up to the top of the glacier and lands on the actual glacier itself. But they weren’t flying as the cloud had come down. Bit of a bugger but what can you do? So we went in the coach up to the car park from where you can walk up to a viewing platform that has displays telling you all about the glacier. Took some photos. As you do! Walked back and rejoined the coach and went to the Franz Josef Hotel where we have just had a rather nice meal and a bottle of Pinot Noir. Nice!
Now back in the room typing this and hopefully I can go to reception and upload it for $5 for half an hour.
I wanna see some photos!!!!!!! Glad you had a great time at Joe's and are enjoying NZ!!!
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