A coach journey to Queenstown

We left Fox Glacier early in the morning next day, boarded a coach departing to Queenstown. It was full day journey with some short stops along the way.

We past fox river which came from the melted ice of Fox Glacier.

There was a breakfast stop at a Salmon farm selling different kinds of salmon meals. We had out breakfast before the bus journey, so we just browse its gift shop.

We pass by Lake Moeraki, a scenic lake at West Land, north of Haast.

Next, we stopped over at Thunder Creek Falls. The water falls from Thunder Creek flowing into Haast river. This was the place which I got bitten by sandflies for the 1st time.

Our lunch was fish and chips at Makaroa Country Cafe. We took some pic while waiting for our coach to depart.

We also stopped by Lake Hawea, a lake which is very nearby Lake Wanaka.

Below is Lake Wanaka. Quite a number of passenger alight here.

This is Kawarau river, a very popular river for white water rafting (grade 1 to 3) and bungee jumping.

Along the road where we almost reach queenstown. We met a road block which the road was closed for 15mins. Our coach driver let us got off and hang around near the bus until the traffic was able to move again.

A walk along Cook Flat Road

We saw in post cards of Lake Matheson were very beautiful. It is located off Cook Flat Road which we thought it was quite near by. We set off at around 4pm.

As we walk, we had taken some photos long the road. Also self took photos by placing our mini tripod on one side of the road and running across the other side to take photos.

We enjoyed the countryside scenery with mountains, grass, sheeps and cattle around us. It was a relaxing feeling.

After walking for about 1.5 hours we could finally see a sign post directing right to Lake Matheson which was 400m away.

Looking at the sky which will be turning dark soon and feeling very tired from the morning's Fox Trot and this long walk. We changed to minds and turned back. Although we felt disappointed, we were really too tired to walk.

Fox Trot

Fox Trot is a half trekking at Fox Glacier operated by Fox Glacier Guiding. Equipment such as fleece jacket, backpacks, raincoat, over pants, boots, crampon and sticks were provided.

It was raining in the morning when we were on this trekking trip. Our guide was Richard. He introduced to us the glaciers and how they were moved over years.

Before we were able to reach the ice, we had to walk up a track though a temperate rainforest. As we walk through, we passed a waterfall which the water can be drunk and beautiful scenery of the glaciers. It was a not an easy walk up. I was already very tired at only a third of the journey up. Many trekkers also took off their layers of warm clothing as we walked up.

We had to put on our crampons before we were able to step on the ice. As the ice was very slippery, our boots won’t be able to give us sufficient grip when we walk. The crampons would stab into ice when we walked on the ice. Walking sticks were provided to help us to trek on the ice. It also got colder at the glacier, so warm clothing has to be put on again.

I enjoy being on the glaciers, its beautiful and cold but I like it.

From Greymouth to Fox Glacier

We reach Greymouth about 1.15pm and had to transfer a coach which will bring us to our final destination, Fox Glacier.
Greymouth is a small town at the West Coast of south island. The weather was very gloomy, with grey skies, rain and wind. It was really cold but was a typical weather for a place in West Coast area which is rainy most of the time. Greymouth really look like a grey place to me.

As we travel along the West Coast, we could see the Tasman Sea next to it. The bus had stopped over at another town called Hokitika where we went to the supermarket to buy some food for our stay at fox glacier. We did not have our lunch yet and did not have enough time after our shopping. So we only make do with our big cookie for lunch.

The coach had a stop before our stop which was Fran Josef. It was a more populated and lively village as compared Fox glacier which was much peaceful and less populated. The driver was very helpful to drop us near our accommodation, Fox Glacier Holiday Park.

The Tranzalpine Train

We woke up early the next day to catch our shuttle bus to the train station. We would be taking this train heading ending at Greymouth.

The train passed through the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps and rainforest in Westland area.

It whole journey was very scenic and there were occasional stops and slow down of the train to let the passenger to take some beautiful photos. However it was very hard to take pictures through glass windows, even though I tried to position my camera as close as possible to the glass. We did not go to open air carriages where we can the pictures without the glass. William was still unwell and was sleeping throughout the journey and I did not want to leave him alone.

There was a café in one of the carriage and we could buy food if we want to. There were no toilets in the train and we can only visit the toilet when they stop at certain stations.

Touring Christchurch City with the Tram

As we bought a 3 in 1 combo (cost NZD50, consisting of punting, tram ride and Gondola ride), we went for the tram ride next. The tram pass is

valid for 2 consecutive days and can hop on and drop off any time. We could only use for a day because we would leave Christchurch for Fox Glacier the next day

The tram is connected by the cable and a track which travels around the heart of Christchurch City.

We had taken a few loops. Passing landmarks and places like Arts Centre, Cathedral Square, Botanical Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Victoria Square, Avon River etc…..

I enjoyed the ride very much with very friendly, informative and commentary from the tram the tram drivers plus a very beautiful evening.

However, poor William had fallen asleep every now and then because he was feeling a little unwell and having a cold. Maybe this was due to lack of sleep on the plane and the difference in weather. The weather was much cooler in Christchurch (max: 22°C) even though it was summer. He was not used to the weather.

Along the way at one of the stop, a wedding couple came up onto the tram and took some photos. Its very romantic…..

A walk in Botanical gardens and Canterbury museum visit.

After enjoying the boat ride, we went for a walk in botanical gardens. The local had told us the Christchurch is a garden city and they have many parks. Indeed, the park is very beautiful, and a stroll was very enjoyable with such a cool and peaceful environment.

This is Curator's House

We visited the Canterbury museum which was next to Botanical Gardens. It features the history of New Zealand and Christchurch. We did not take any photos there.