Day 12. Tuesday 18th November 2003
Haast Beach - Hokitki

Set off along the west coast road to see the Franz Joseph Glacier. The road to the glaciers was very scenic and quite thick bush, almost tropical. Road was quite winding however (I have to mention, the verges of the road were immaculately kept, neatly mown and trimmed) but it did afford some great views and I was glad to get out and stretch my legs at Franz Joseph.

The walk to the glacier itself was quite popular, probably the most people we have seen out and about so far in the country. No wonder though, as after following the path for a bit you turn the corner and get a wonderful view of the glacier itself. An information board showed how the glacier had moved over time, quite recent time in fact. In 1974 it was really forward and down the valley much further and now it was right back. It showed how it looked in the late 1800's with people boating on a glacial lake (now gone). People had paid for guides to take them right up on to the ice, but they didn't actually go that far up it and I reckon they must have been disappointed with what they got. We sat and admired it for a bit and then walked back to the van.

We then drove on to Hokitiki, a nice place, clean and new, but dead in the way of people—where are they all? We booked a meal at 8pm and walking around the streets, there were practically no people. Had a nice four course dinner at the Paris Cafe. I had garlic bread to start, chicken main course, apricot cheesecake, and coffee. I was stuffed. Again, extremely well presented and the whole lot, including wine, came to about £30 for the two of us, amazing!