Tuesday 13th February – Driving the Haast Pass

Our camping spot with view of Lake Wanaka

It seemed like we would have lots of time on our hands today.  But, on the other hand, we were driving one of the most scenic routes on the South Island, heading North West up Highway 6 and across the Haast Pass, so we were likely to be stopping…. A lot! 

Before leaving Wanaka, Simon was treated to a haircut whilst I went to check out the view at Bremner Bay:

Due to the epic scenery, today’s entry will be narrated via images of lakes, mountains, waterfalls and more of the same.  We moved along the highway with the masses, stopping off at every brown sign to get the best scenic views:

Lake Hawea

North end of Lake Wanaka (it's a very large lake!)

Bridge over the Blue Pools (below)

Fantail Falls

Thunder creek falls

Rifleman (New Zealand's smallest bird)

Chaffinches

Cameron Flats

Knights Point

Having thought we’d have time on our hands, we rolled into the town of Fox Glacier just before dusk and luckily managed to secure a camping spot.  We were parked right by the camp kitchen, which was convenient for cooking dinner, but also because we were treated to a rare visit by….. another Kea!

This one didn’t appear to have rings on its legs.  It was clearly scavenging for food, but I tried to tempt it’s inquisitive nature by building a tiny twig teepee (as recommended on one of the posters as a way to get them to stick around).  Sadly, my creativity did not have the desired effect, but I felt lucky just to have been able to watch it for a couple of minutes as I was surprised to be seeing one this far north.

Another treat that evening.  The campsite take willing customers on a walk to nearby forest, which is inhabited with thousands of glow worms.  Heading out at 930pm we saw tons of them hidden underneath the canopy of low-lying foliage. It was magical but also adventurous as it was pitch black and we weren’t allowed to use torches as it would ruin the effect, so several of us nearly fell down big holes in the ground! But well worth it, an unexpected way to end the day.