2014 New Zealand Caravan Trip: 06 Haast – Fox Glacier – Westport

 "Travel and change of place impart new vigour to the mind..." - Seneca

(The Fox Glacier lookout point)

Day 6: Wednesday, 12 November 2014
Route: Haast – Fox Glacier – Westport

We checked-out of the campsite at 09:00hrs and drove towards Fox Glacier along coastlines, deep lakes, mountainous unbroken forests and tussock grassland, a landscape of exceptional beauty. We passed disciplined motorists, energetic cyclists and hitch-hikers along the highway and stopped at Knights Point lookout after an hour’s drive.

(Tranquil lagoons and beaches)

(Horse riding at Haast Beach)

(Sharing the road with cyclists)

(Formation of jagged rocks along the coast)

(Knight's Point lookout point)

It was raining heavily when we reached Fox Glacier. Fox Glacier is in Glacier Country on the West Coast tucked discreetly into the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps. It offers breath-taking views of New Zealand’s two highest peaks, Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman.

(The way to the start of the hiking trail)

(First part of the steep climb)

It was drizzling slightly when we started hiking leisurely along the Fox River valley floor. Although we did not walk on the glacier, we have the opportunity of viewing the resting place of the mighty glaciers, the longest moving river of ice, after it has travelled 12 km from the base of the Southern Alps. It took us more than one and half hours to reach the lookout point and back.

(Icy water flowing on the barren river bed)

(A long tiring climb to the end of the glacier)

(Carefully treading of stones to cross streams)

(Look out for loose falling rocks)

(Feeling energetic and strong)

(A long way to go, take five for ciggie break)

(Taking it slow and steady)

(More rest than walk)

(Fast flowing stream, icy cold water)

(The lookout point, end of the road)

(Wonderful feeling of achievement)

(A clear view of the glacier)

(Bluish tint of ice blocks)

(Cool breeze freezing our bones)

(Educational diagram for the tourists)

After the walk, we stopped to buy souvenir in town and drove towards Franz Josef Glacier, another spectacular ice retreat but not as popular as Fox Glacier. We stopped by a riverside for a light lunch and performed our prayers.

(Driving along the panoramic coastal road)

(More rocks formations on the coastal line)

(Scenic view of the Southern Alps)

(Crossing rivers and streams with chunks of ice)

We refuelled at Hokitika and bought some provisions. We drove passed Greymouth, the western terminus of the TranzAlpine rail line. It was still early so we continued on and reached Westport around 21:00. Westport is a cute little town with a seal colony at Carter’s Beach.

(A light shower and a beautiful rainbow)

(Driving into the sunset)

(Taking the right turn to our destination)

After looking for the Top 10 Campsite in town we detoured to a new address by the seaside with the help of the GPS

Tonight’s dinner was vegetable soup, fried ikan bilis and rice.

 2014 South NZ: 07 Motueka, New Zealand👉

👈2014 South NZ: 05 Haast, New Zealand