Franz Josef Glacier

158mm (roughly 6") of rain is predicted to fall tonight. In other words a deluge! Flash flooding may occur and possibly a thunderstorm or two. At the moment we have hunkered down at a place called Fox near the Fox glacier.

Didn't bode well this morning when we awoke to very low cloud.

  Our plan was to take a helicopter trip to the top of Franz Josef Glacier. It was cancelled, understandably as you couldn't even see the mountains. Instead, we went to the wildlife centre to see the Rowi Kiwis the most endangered of the species. Loved this place as the Kiwis were all awake, running around and looking for food. Although the viewing room was dark once the eyes had adjusted they could be seen clearly. No photos allowed so sorry folks, not one to show. When we emerged the weather seemed to have picked up and we made a decision to walk to the face of the Glacier. Took us over two hours return to do the 4 km walk and up till the very moment we reached the face, the cloud cover had kept away. Then just as we turned up the glacier was obscured and the rain started. A miserable walk back to the van but at least we did see the glacier, pity all those walking to the face in that torrential rain. No chance of seeing the glacier at all.

First sighting of the glacier from the car park

Zoomed in from the car park

A tantalising glimpse of the mountain

As far as we were allowed and the rain started.

Another glimpse of the glacier as the cloud cover lifted for a brief moment.

Waterfalls were impressive

 We may forgo the walk to Fox Glacier in the morning. The path to the face may well be closed if the river floods and what with all that rain to come....

Some wildlife photos to show from the last few days.

This bug was over 1" long.