NZ adventures with Emma and Kortney - Part I road trip along the west coast

After spending Christmas in Oregon with the Lyman family, Aaron brought our nieces - Kortney and Emma back to New Zealand for a 3 week visit. They spent the first couple of days in Wellington getting over the 3 hour (+ a day) jet lag and sorting out phones etc.. and having a brief look around we headed down to the South Island for a 10 day road trip.

Day 1 - We had an early start on the Ferry on New Years day and then headed down the coast and inland to Hanmer Springs. We stopped a few times along the way to see the seals and some views. After a rather full on day of driving we had a relaxing evening hanging out in the hotpools at Hanmer Springs.

Emma, Kortney and Aaron on the ferry

Seals and the pups

Relaxing in the hot pools at Hanmer Springs

Day 2 - we headed towards the west coast, stopping to do a couple of short walks along the way at Lewis Pass and then the start of the Kirwans track north of Reefton to see a rather crazy tunnel swing bridge. Unfortunately the girls got to experience the menace that is sandflies.... and clearly they are both pretty tasty... especially Kortney. We ended up at Franz Josef. 

Emma on the swingbridge

Kortney in the tunnel

Day 3 - The weather gods were kind to us and first thing in the morning there were few clouds and the sun was shining on the west coast. This is a region that gets up to 10 m or rain a year.... so this was an unexpected surprise. We had a nice walk up to the glacier (or as far as you can get these days). Then we continued south to Haast then back inland towards Queenstown - with a short stroll to the blue pools to break up the drive.... Finally making it to Queenstown.

Emma and Kortney with Franz Josef Glacier in the background

Emma showering under a waterfall at Franz Josef

Blue Pools