Franz Josef

Franz is a very small township near the glacier with the same name. The town mainly consists of hostels and restaurants. Mr. Sun has returned and it's around 15 degrees, so I'm very happy! I also had some really tasty fush and chups (yes that's how the Kiwis pronouce it) today at Kiwi Kai, a very filling lunch at only $7.50.

I spent some time hunting around for something to do. I decided not to visit the kiwi breeding centre. Admission was $35 and you would only see some kiwis in the dark and could not take any photos. The chicks had already been released for the season, so no point paying an extra $20 for a behind the scenes tour either. There was a cruise on a nearby lake for $115, but being a bit of a miser, I decided against that too. Instead, I took a shuttle for $12.50 to the car park near the Franz Josef glacier, and walked a couple of kilometers along the river valley. The only way to get onto the glacier is taking a helicopter ride, but I'm still not that excited about ice to shell out for that experience.

Tomorrow, I'm going to nearby Fox, and hopefully I will make it to Lake Matheson, the most photographed and picturesque lake in NZ apparently, as Mount Cook is reflected on its surface on a clear day. I was very happy that I could still use my Intercity Flexipass, it had exactly the time left required to get to Fox and back! So maximum use of that pass. There are only two buses a day though, so I have to spend seven hours in Fox. I'll probably rent a bike to get to the lake, it's a bit too far to walk. If I have enough energy, I might make it close to the Fox glacier as well.

I'm really enjoying the hostel here! I am so comfortable in my en-suite room with unlimited free wi-fi and a kettle to make my own tea and coffee. Funny how you miss the little things you normally take for granted when you are deprived of them. The receptionist Connell is a top lad. Welsh by birth, I impressed him with my pronunciation of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. Good to finally get a use for that party trick!