Go West

Our first adventures in New Zealand took us from Christchurch across the country over to the west coast via the Southern Alps and the Haast pass.

We started out with a couple of days in Christchurch where we explored some outdoor gear stores (we are now Kathmandu members!), the Re:Start mall (a temporary mall made up of shipping containers; the previous mall was destroyed in the 2011 earthquake)

and the hiking in the Port Hills with the sheep!

So much more to see and do so we'll be back!

Our drive out to the west coast took us through some beautiful country.

Click here for more photos of Christchurch and Canterbury Province.

We stopped at the Franz Josef glacier for a walk up to its toe.

Unfortunately the glacier has noticeably receded; Didier was last here about 20 years ago and he was shocked to see the difference.

Click here for more photos of the glacier.

En route to Charleston we stopped for a few hours of fly fishing at the Ahaura River. Unfortunately it was an unsuccessful trip but it was a beautiful spot!

Click here for more photos of the river.

Then on to Charleston via the coast road where we were awarded with some amazing ocean views

and incredible rock formations. The forests on this side of the mountains are semi-tropical rainforests (similar to BC but with palm trees!).

We spent two nights at Mike & Phyllis' "Bach"(New Zealand term for a cottage) near Charleston. We have heard many stories from Didier of these famous friends and this spectacular area; it was surreal to actually have finally visited!

During our time here we visited Punakaiki Rocks

went on a tramp (New Zealand term for a hike) through the jungle

and went tubing on the Nile River as it feeds into the ocean.

Oh and on our last night here Didier & Tom went out to harvest some muscles for dinner!

Click here for more photos of the Westcoast