Christchurch to Fox Glacier

Today was the long drive from Christchurch to Fox Glacier over Arthur's Pass.  As we leave the quake torn city of Christchurch, it's impossible not to feel some admiration for the residents who seem to be dealing with almost daily after shocks. 

A road sign you gotta agree with

We work our way across the extremely flat Canterbury plains towards the mountains in the distance.  These are the Alps of South Island and we are going over them.  The road starts to climb and twist and climb some more.  On the way we come across the amazing limestone outcrops of "Castle rock".   Although it looks like the rocks were placed by man they are actually completely natural

As we drive we usually listen top the local radio staions and practice speaking Kiwi.  My favourite word at the moment is Messive - as in "Messive Cuts" or "Messive Sale".  We are now well into the messive mountains around Arthur's Pass and the scenery is just too stunning for words. 

Big Hills

We stop for  a snack at the Arthur's Pass Cafe and get to meet another native bird - the Kia.  Kias are quite big birds who seem to have no fear of people and you have to be careful not to let them on your car too much as they will eat all the rubber around the windows & mirrors!

Kia

Up close

Fight!!

As we crossed over to the west and begin the downward journey to the coast, the previously beautifully sunny day evaporated into a wet rainy day.  The rain continued off and on along our journey but we finally knew we had got to our target (Fox Glacier) by the fact that it was tipping down.

When we got there, I filled up the car at the local garage and noticed that they had small packets of foxes glacier mints for sale to help the local community - I love that idea. We checked into our family run motel and the owners told us all about Fox, where to go and what to see.

One of the places they recommended was Lake Mattherson which is where the mountains are reflected for a classic (if clichéd) shot.  So I took a trip to the lake that evening  to check out the possibility of a morning shot from that location.  I arrived in some light drizzle,  so I took the 20 minute walk to the viewpoint,  to see if it would be worth visiting in the morning.  Once I got to the viewpoint,  it was clear that it would be a good location if the weather was OK,  but suddenly the heavens opened.  On the long walk back I meat a bloke called Noah building a boat and when I finally got back to the car and then the hotel I was drenched through.  I decided not to bother going there for a sunrise shot!