Day 25: Hokitika - Franz Josef

Yet another great little hostel last night. From Hokitika I drove just a few kms and parked the car opposite the gas station in Kaniere. From here the plan was to cycle a 90 km loop around Lake Kaniere and out to Hokitika Gorge and back.

Just got on my way when the light rain started, but it was that kind of "optimal" rain where you get blow dried as quickly as you get wet. The ride around the lake was lovely then I crossed the River Styx (!), looking out for Kubla Khan then took a pit stop at s great little café.

Had a nice chat with the owner about Alpaca then continued towards the gorge, past the rugby pitch where the home team were already warming up.

The Hokitika Gorge was another one of those "wow" places. The pictures say it best.

Couldn't resist stopping off at the same café for lunch on the way back to Kaniere, after letting the traffic go past first.

After about 85 kms I got a puncture. Punctures are like pregnancy - you can't be any other than 0% or 100%. So my "100% guaranteed puncture free" tyre became 0% puncture free. Managed to roll the last 5 kms on depleting air pressure without any problem.

From Kaniere it was then about a 90 minute drive south to today's destination - Franz Josef Glacier, one of two glaciers in the area. Got checked in, jumped on the bike having stopped earlier in the most beautiful place to fix the puncture and cycled towards the glacier, hoping the clouds would clear and I would get to see something.

I couldn't believe my luck. The clouds slowly cleared and began to reveal the valley and the glacier in all it's glory. Got as far as I could on the bike along the walking path.

I then got to think about Hassan, from Sri Lanka, who I'm sharing a room with. He'd said he was a bit disappointed to not see the glacier either yesterday or today as it was raining and cloudy. I thought I really must go back and get him so I cycled back to the backpackers as fast as I could, gave Hassan a shout, then we drove back and then walked as far as you can go all the way up towards the glacier. It had cleared giving beautiful views and even the full moon came out over the mountains.

What an unbelievably lucky experience. Hassan was also well pleased.

We went out for a quick fish and chips when we got back then a short walk to see the glow worms which are only about 5 minutes walk from the backpackers.

I know I say it every evening, but what an amazing day!

A little change from beaches and awesome scenery - today we have the "coworama of the day".