Lily on Cathedral Square, ChristchurchWe collected our rental car in Christchurch on a sunny Monday afternoon, and after stopping for some supplies at a local Shopping Mall, we set off for Arthur's Pass (about 150km West). The drive was fine, the road was of good quality, and we met little traffic.
Matt and his new Kiwi friend enjoy some wine in Christchurch
We got settled into our Motel room, and made our dinner. We were staying in a mountain cottage which we shared with 4 others - it had 3 bedrooms, a kitchen, living room and bathroom. After our recent travels we had an early night.
Next morning we checked out the weather situation, but with heavy rain predicted we decided to do a low level 4-hour walk up Bealey's Spur (14km South of Arthur's Pass). The weather was fine here, with just a little drizzle towards the end of the walk. The walk started through a beech forest where we saw (and heard) a variety of birds. Higher up we had wonderful views of Bealey river, and surrounding mountains.
Walking on Bealey's Spur
We returned to the village to heavy rain, and abandoned plans to do another short walk. We treated ourselves to a drink in the local, the Wobbly Kea (a Kea being a local mountain parrot).
Today, we awoke to sunshine, so set out on a 3 hour walk up Temple Basin, which is a ski resort in winter. There were excellent views here of Mt Rolleston, and Avalanche Peak.
Today, we awoke to sunshine, so set out on a 3 hour walk up Temple Basin, which is a ski resort in winter. There were excellent views here of Mt Rolleston, and Avalanche Peak.
Mt Rolleston in all its glory
Afterwards we set off on the scenic route through the mountains & by the sea to Franz Josef village. We're booked on a 3 hour tour of the glacier in the morning, so watch out for a report t0morrow!!
Waterfall at Temple Basin walk
