New Zealand, Part 2: Glacial Water | Mountain Peaks | Ocean Beach
Day 3: Arthur’s Pass to Franz Joseph
Hokitika Gorge
Most of the river water we saw in New Zealand was glacial runoff, and as such was tinted turquoise from the glacial flour, but the Hokitika River was exceptionally colorful.
Southern Alps Helicopter Tour
An insane experience. Molly and I just had our jaws on the floor the whole time. From the town of Franz Joseph we flew up to the top of the Franz Joseph Glacier, landed at about 10,000 feet for a little walkaround, and then flew around and over the main peaks of the Southern Alps, including Aoraki/Mount Cook (the highest peak in New Zealand), viewed the Tasman Glacier, and then flew back down Fox Glacier before skimming along back to Franz Joseph.
I was in the middle back seat of the helicopter, so photography was a bit difficult, but I managed a few shots that I like. But first, to give a little better idea of the experience, I’ve included some video that Molly took.
Bird Break!
After the helicopter tour we were pretty wiped, but the allure of foreign birds was too much so I headed over to nearby nature area. I didn’t see too much but there were a few little guys hunting dinner.
