The Southern Alps, Franz Josef and a Helicopter Ride

We left Wanaka with a threat of a change in the weather.

The journey was over four hours and torrential rain hit about half way. Fortunately we were out of the mountains by this time and driving up the coastal plane towards Fox and Franz Josef, so the drive was less eventful than it might have been.

With just the one day in FJ and a threat of a further deterioration in the weather the opportunity was taken for a helicopter flight into the mountains and over both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.

Wanaka - a brief stop

After Milford Sound its back to Queenstown and on to Wanaka for another short stay before travelling up to Fox and Franz Josef.

Despite the short stay at Wanaka we still managed to find a great coffee place in the back streets, go for a swim in Lake Wanaka and an evening cycle ride.

Milford Sound

Stayed at the YHA in Te Anau as a staging post for the journey by coach to Milford Sound.

The coach journey was just as spectacular as the ultimate destination and I was glad not to have been driving so that I could take it all in.

Once again most of my photographs were taken with my posh camera but I still managed to capture a number of good shots with the iPhone.

Queenstown

Queenstown is set in the most delightful and even beautiful location but let down by the tourists (oops I'm one if those).

See the various photos below.

South Island

Flying high with Air New Zealand over the Southern Alps