Fox Glacier and Hanmer Springs

 

Approaching the Kawaru Bridge and the A.J. Hackett site of the New Zealand’s first bungy jump.

No jumping when we passed, so we did not stop (this photo from a previous trip).

Stuck again in rush hour traffic

In and out of rain for most of the day–here the double fun of rain and road repair.

Longer single-lane bridges have one or more bays on the bridge to allow passing.

We arrive in the little town of Fox Glacier to learn that the road into the Fox Glacier is closed for repair. So, hiking onto the glacier itself is out.

At our Fox Glacier lodging the ladies make friendly with one of the locals

After a bit of research we learn the nearby Matheson Cafe has excellent views of fox glacier. Not quite the same as hiking the glacier itself, but we decide to check it out for breakfast the next morning.

Breakfast at the Matheson Cafe just outside of the town of Fox Glacier

View of Fox Glacier (just below the peak) from the cafe window

After breakfast we’re on the road for Hanmer Springs.  A few miles up the road  from Fox Glacier we pause at the Franz Josef Glacier.

Franz Josef Glacier

The old railroad/road bridge is being replaced. This is an infamous trouble spot for motorcycles.

Reefton New Zealand

First beer in a Hanmer Springs pub, happy to be off the bikes and in out of the rain.

The East Coast, Nelson and Punakaiki