NewZealand12🇦🇺

Day 12 - West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand 

The weather predictions for today could not have been worse. In the preparation for our 1.5 hour hike involved packing a dry change of clothes. Boy, did we luck out! Not only did we see a glacier, up close, but made it back to the bus fairly dry. The weather here changes quite quickly. It's sunny, it's rainy, it's sunny... repeat and repeat. The new weather experience for today was hail. We were hailed on 3x's within 12 hours. The first was a torrential downpour and hail at 4:37 a.m. That will wake one up... Just little pea size so no human or structural dents.... ;)   What was interesting is there were a few of our group who have not experienced hail... 

Franz Josef Glacier in the Westland Tai Poutini national park. Absolutely fascinating. Sadly, it is melting away at quite a rapid rate. Global warming?

The weather was quite nice for our breathtaking drive up the coast. At least it was while in the bus. Only rained when we were to get out for lunch, shopping, bio brakes and such. One stop we had the opportunity to use a singing toilet...use your own imagination... :D

We drove, shopped, ate and peed our way up the coast through towns named Whataroa, Harihari, Kakapotahi, Hari Hari, Ross, Ruatapu, and, our destination for two nights, Hokitika.  Points to you if you know how to pronounce these names...  

Jade and many other forms of artistry is what this area is best known. Our first stop in town was to a jade store. There we met with a jade sculptor who explained the process. Beautiful work! A flurry of shopping ensued. Really nice creations. Lisa and I, of course, went foraging for adult beverage supplies. Are you surprised.... 

We are right on the shore if the Tasman Sea. Very cool. 

Tomorrow more opportunity to visit a few local artists and possibly a bus ride up to the pancake rocks... check back!  Who knows, it might be raining....