New Zealand Continues to Surprise!

New Zealand continues to surprise. We had an incredibly rainy and chilly day on Saturday...for our kayaking adventure. Most everyone came back chilled to the bone but Bill and I (who chose not to go out) had a nice pot belly stove and hot tea at the ready. We took a walk around the village but not before capturing some of our fearless tour members heading out to kayak. The village of Okarito is very small but its residents include a recluse award-winning writer and a well known photographer. It is really at the end of the road!

Let's do it!

Rachel wondering if she really wants to go kayaking

We had an amazing roasted lamb dinner tonight. Which brings me to mention our incredible guides, Cristina and Ben, a couple who are from Canada and New Zealand.  They have bussed us, hiked us, fed us and generally cared for us for over a week now with grace and charm. They seem to never sleep. Every morning we wake up to a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs or burritos, muesli,  fruit and hot coffee. Lunch is usually sandwiches and salad or meat pies, a specialty in NZ.  Dinner...well, Cristina is a great cook and has prepared for us Moroccan chicken tagine, Thai pasta, grilled fish and vegetables and the above referenced roast lamb with roasted parsnips, pumpkin and potatoes. Very delicious! Wish I could say that with our exercise I haven't gained any weight but I can't...

Ben and Cristina--our guides and fabulous cooks

Part of our group awaiting lamb dinner

After we left Okarito, we headed to Franz Joseph Glacier.  The Glacier was first discovered in 1865 and photos show that it has lost a lot of its ice over the past 50 years  Still impressive though.  There were several hikes offered, including a heli hike which 6 of our group opted for. Bill and I took a long meandering trail to the glacier, a walk of about 9 kilometers combined with a side trip through "the bush".

Bill by the waterfalls

Robin at the glacier

Unfortunately the heli hikers were not able to get up because the weather changed so quickly. The others went on a very strenuous climb to a lake and view of about 3.5 miles...much more rugged than ours.

The amazing thing about the flora here is that right next to the Glacier was a lovely tropical rain forest hike..

New Zealand is as beautiful and awesome...in any type of weather.  We haven't had a single day when we were disappointed.  We can't wait for the next week of exploration!