New Zealand: A Caravan Experience
Written By: SUSANNE LOMATCH
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Glaciers
Day 17-18
NZ has two massive glaciers along the west coastal road R6. The first is the Franz Josef
Glacier, the second the Fox Glacier, both technically in the Westland Tai Poutini
National Park, adjacent the Aoriki/Mt. Cook National Park.
So technically on a clear day
one can get glimpses of Mt. Cook, NZ tallest peak. In truth, we’re not sure if we spotted
it or not, as the peaks were often obscured by clouds and haze. Along R6 we shot spectacular
views of streams and mountains, just before arriving at the Franz Josef
Glacier. The tracks to the glacier are worth the time. Several climb to vantage points,
while others lead directly to the foot of the glacier, if you’re willing to jump the caution
rope (which we did).
We hit the road south again, intent on staying near the Fox Glacier for the night. On the
way, we took a hike near Lake Matheson, located several miles from Fox Glacier town
off of Cooks Flat Road, which gave some views of what we thought might be the elusive
Mt. Cook (Aoraki). A return to town to load up on supplies, including some delicious
locally made beef and lamb sausages, and we checked into a convenient park, Fox
Glacier Holiday Park. Before sundown we caught a shot of local peaks.
After our morning caravan breakfast ritual, this time with fresh eggs and NZ center-cut
bacon, we checked out and drove to the nearby Fox Glacier. While both glaciers are
impressive, the Fox is slightly more dramatic. The track to the glacier is invigorating,
requiring the crossing of a rocky stream with a decent flow (likely a springtime event).
Before leaving the area, we drove up a dirt road just south of town to take a short hike
and get a truly dazzling panoramic perch of the glacier and surrounding forest.
Lake Wanaka
Day 18-19
Wanaka was the next destination, and the drive on R6 was expected to take most of the
day, through several picturesque areas – the beach at Bruce Bay along the coast and
inland from the coast, including Mt. Aspiring National Park and the expansive greater
Lake Hawea/Lake Wanaka geography. In the late afternoon we arrived at Wanaka, the
charming little town at a southerly point on the lake. We took a break at the city park
along the lake, where I shot mood-inspiring pictures of Lake Wanaka and
snowcapped mountains. After loading up on more food supplies in town, we checked
into the Wanaka Motor Park, within walking distance of the town center. The next
morning we took a brisk walk to the centrum to have breakfast at a local café, and then
made a photography run up Wanaka Mt. Aspiring Road along the western shore before
leaving the area. Glaciers-Wanaka Photography.