Monday, September 22, 2014

New Zealand-Day 2, Part 2

From Punakaiki, we drove back south about 2 hours to hike to Franz Josef Glacier.  It was suppose to be 1hr. 30min. return walk, but with 5 kids (& one on my back!), I think it took us close to 3 hours!

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Our first look at the glacier off in the distance.  It’s crazy to see signs showing just how big it use to be and see how much it has since receded!

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Hike to Franz Josef Glacier

We saw many beautiful waterfalls along our walk.

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Hallie was obsessed with rocks during our entire trip.  She is definitely a nature lover….sticks, rocks, leaves, you name it!

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You can see how thick the ice is here!

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Getting closer!

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We made it! Time for our photo ops!

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Taking some fun pictures with this lovely park ranger.

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Beautiful sight!

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Heading back

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A few close-ups of the amazing waterfalls

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Brian, Hallie & I headed up another path to get a view from higher up.

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Sudip and I then went on the Sentinel Rock Walk…which took us quickly out this pond with snow-capped mountain reflection.  If not for the duck swimming around and messing up the still water, this photo could have been picture perfect! It was beautiful visually and audibly as we stood in silence just listening to the birds chirping.

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After a very long day, we drove 20 minutes further south to our hotel in Fox Glacier. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner out and then went on the glowworm walk-so cool!

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