South Island done (almost!)

It was late in the day, we were heading north along the Haast highway optimistically heading for an overnight stop in Greymouth when we passed a sign for the Fox Glacier. With daylight fading we turned off the highway and drove 3km along a side road to the start of the Fox Glacier national park. Rain was in the air and darkness was threatening to descend on us. Undeterred we embarked on a 4km trek up to the base of the Glacier. It was well worth the walk. The Fox Glacier and Franz Joseph glaciers are a rare spectacle, being two of the only glaciers to descend down a mountain range and still be a glacial 200m above sea level thereby making them readily accessible by visitors. There are strict rules regarding actually walking on the ice (you must hire a guide) but just being able to walk along side this force of nature is a real privilege. There are pictures and markers along the path highlighting how far the glacier has retreated in a relatively short time, about 1km in the last 20 years!

After taking some photos and enjoying the wild feel of the valley we headed back to the car and continued our long drive north. 

A storm was brewing, with strong winds and heavy rain combining with very wiggly roads to make our journey slow (but exciting). We stopped off at small mining town and checked into the only hotel/motel/backpackers and campground in town and waited for the storm to abate.

Next morning we aimed across country for the town of Nelson to use as a base for exploring the top of the South Island. 

Nelson is the gateway to the North Island (with a little town called Picton having a large ferry port). It's also a really pretty town with great beaches, bays, swanky cliff top houses and restaurants. The Able  Tasman peninsular is 30 minute drive away, a national park with a really sheltered coastline ideal for sea kayaking and coastal walks. 

After spending 3 days exploring the area we headed south down the Coastal Highway along rugged coastline with numerous seal colonies basking in the sunshine!