New Zealand, Easter 2006

We made a flying visit to New Zealand over Easter. Landing in Christchurch, we hired a campervan and spent five nights and six days on a trip around the South Island - Mount Cook, Haast Pass, Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson, Hokitika, and back to Christchurch through the Arthur's Pass. 

Mount Cook Airport

The highlight of our Easter trip to New Zealand was a flight over Mount Cook, and landing on the Tasman Glacier. It was perfect weather and we crammed into the tiny Cessna to take the flight. The views were awe inspiring and we felt completely to scale - insignificant in the midst of mighty mountains and grand glacial valleys. 

NZ Alps

 

Franz Joseph Glacier, NZ

 

Glacier landing, Tasman glacier

Landing on the glacier is a combination of landing and skiing - it was very exciting and we did not spend much time thinking about the possible consequences! 

Sunset, Lake Taupo

We found this camping spot on the side of the road, and were treated to a magnificent sunset 

Sunset, Lake Taupo

Mount Cook, centre, is the highest mountain in New Zealand 

Full moon, Lake Taupo camp

 

Morning coffee, Wanaka NZ

 

spiders web, Haast Pass

 

Ferns, Haast Pass NZ

 

sunset, Haast Pass NZ

 

Fox Glacier, NZ

 

Lake Matheson

This view of Mount Cook would be amazing on a clear still day. It was really pretty even in the rain. 

Arthurs Pass, NZ

This amazing viaduct was completed in 2000, and has won architectual environment awards for the design. 16% gradient! 

Seagull and sculpture, Cathedral Square, Christchurch NZ

 

"regret" Christchurch Botanical Gardens

 

Banks Peninsular, New Zealand

 

Autumn take two

A day can make all the difference in Tasmania! 

Autumn at St Johns Park

 

Kite flying