The trip down the west coast from Hokatika stayed beautiful. We were so impressed with the color of the Tasman Sea which you can see here. It looked like the Caribbean!
The first of many waterfalls we saw along the way, coming down from the mountains near the Franz Josef glacier. Later in the trip we saw many many more of these waterfalls which were reminiscent of Yosemite.
Several of the waterfalls...
The first view of the glacier full on. There were many palm trees on the way to this point.
This is a receding glacier for sure. I walked about halfway to the glacier from this point so I could get a better view. I also wanted to see the glacial riverbed.
Typical of the riverbed -- again the blue blue color.
More rocks in the riverbed!!
The closest view of the glacier with its blue ice...
No day is complete without a new bird. This is a common bird called a Tomtit. It follows you around and picks through the dust you kick up. Like the Fantail, it flits about a lot!!
This New Zealand Fantail was up close and you can see his tail fanning out in this picture.
I've really enjoyed your posts about this trip so far. New Zealand is one of those places that I'd love to go to but don't actually see myself ever being able to experience. So I guess your post kind of let me live it vicariously. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI think you mean cabbage trees or tree ferns. Not many palms round here :) Cabbage trees are apparently a large type of lily - who knew???
ReplyDeleteI walked on that glacier as a teen. It was much further forward then. That was part of a school trip. I have been there a couple of times since and it has changed out of all recognition.
viv
Your photography of birds always amazes me xx. I'm not that quick on the shutter!
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