Once in the small town of Greymouth (with its 7,000 resident, it is the largest town on the west coast of the south island), we rented a car and drove south along the coast. The drive was a bit desapointing but we still enjoyed it as we advance more inland. We had plan to do camping during this vacation (yes we do have our camping gear with us) and so we did at our first stop: Okarito
Okarito is a small vilage with a nice lagoon where you can kayaking in a natural bird reserve. The camping ground is nicely located behind the dune of the beach and has only 10 camp grounds. First come first serve and with a payment of 7.50$ per person that can be made in an honesty box. It was getting late and rainy that night, we have decided to get to bed early to the sound of many birds still singing even with the rain. Just beautiful!
The next morning we took a chance, drove 20 minutes into the town of Joseph Glacier, and tried to get into a group to climb the glacier that are usually full and it worked... We had a wonderfull day climing 600 m high on a glacier, seeing part of it fall down and walking through and between ice and snow walls. See pictures This full day adventure has been one of our best outdoor activity we ever done.
After a second night in Okarito, we continued our journey driving through the glaciers region on the way to Haast. A stop in Fox Glacier is worthed to walk in a rain forest track a 30-60 minute walk in another world. We did it during the day but they also offer an evening wlak with torches. On a clear day at Fox, a walk around tranquil Lake Matheson is a must to see the mountain peak reflecting on the lake.
After waking-up with the rays of the sun reflecting on the bay we drove to Queenstown. The drive brings us through mountains, valleys andlakes. Midway, the next biggest city is Wannaka a popular stopover for many backpackers and the start of many tracks and activities. We just stopped few hours in Wanaka for lunch and play in the world's largest maze.
The second part of the road Haast-Queenstown is a beautiful one if you take the old road. River banks were filled with flowers and it is also the first time we started to see sheeps everywhere, but everywhere... You get an impresive view of Queenstown valley from the top of the last mountain before entering the town. If you have time or still the energy (you can always go back another day) take a right turn to Arrowtown, an old goldcity that have been preserve and fun to go for a drink or a meal at Saffron Restaurant, voted one of the world's most exciting restaurant by the Conde Nast magazine.
Queenstown is the center of all tourist activities in New-Zealand. If you want to raise your adrenaline level, it is also the place to come... Queenstown is where bungy started and since then they are gettig expert in high sensation activities: bungy, jet boat, paraglyding, sledging, etc... but be ready to pay the price. A cheaper option but as much beautiful is walking through the mountains and tracks that have been popularized by the Lord of the Ring Triology.
Whithin few minutes from the city you are already in view of may parks, forests and beaches. The west coast of the North Island as black sand beaches created by volcanic residue. No tall building in this city (apart of the Sky tower) and each houses have its own share of green spaces in their own backyard. There is a feel of links to mother nature that we have never encountered before for a city of that size.
During few weekends we had in january, we have visited Rotorua and its mud pool, the Coromandel pinensula with its fantastic views.
NZ Sauvignon Blanc
Yogourt a la reglisse
Maori Culture
Zorbing