After a very nice stay at the Jade Backpackers in Hokitika, we decided to head off early for the big trip to Haast. Both Paul and I loved Hokitika, it had a very laid back atmosphere, not overly touristy, and the constant sound of the surf on the beach was great.
After much deliberation we decided to only go and visit one glacier (there is two on the West Coast Franz Josef and Fox Glacier). We chose Fox Glacier on the recommendation of the Backpacker manager at Hokitika. You can get within 200mtres of the face of the glacier. This may not sound that close, but they are dangerous, and the Department of Conservation is covering its ass. I was awe inspired, astounded, stupified, amazed..... at the whole glacier valley and the grandeur of the area. The titanic forces involved in moving the rock and
debris, awesome. Amazingly the morning had been quite cold on the bike, but a half hour walk up to the glacier face and it was pretty damn warm. As you can see by our silly grins it was great. The rest of the day we wound our way south to Haast, the West Coast scenery is beautiful, and the bush is lush. We arrived at Haast at about 4ish, crossing the mighty Haast river. Our Backpackers accommodation was quite nice. But today will be the last of the golden weather, as a rain system is due in the morning, and then again on Saturday. Oh well, we have had 3 days of fine weather on the WestCoast, I think that is pretty good.
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