After a nice evening in the Franz Josef, we were on the road again. First we stopped just outside town to take a short hike to Lake Matheson, then we went further south to find a pretty hike to a beach, and finally we drove through the Haast River which was beautiful but rainy.
Enjoying the fun suspension bridges that are a favorite on New Zealand
Kids on a bridge.
We made it to lake Matheson, but the clouds and wind prevented seeing the view and the mirror reflection.
These two have turned into solid hiking buddies.
Ma and pa.
We stopped at a salmon farm for lunch. Salmon Benedict anyone?
Dexter loving some salmon on toast.
The start of our hike to Monro Beach through some lovely rainforest.
A narrower suspension bridge.
We arrive at the beach.
Apparently, if you are supremely lucky, you could see a penguin waddle to shore here. We were not that lucky.
Searching for penguins.
A good sport given the rain, the sandflies on the beach, and the lack o penguins.
Still worth the walk.
Back through the rainforest we go.
After Monro Beach, we had a drive through the amazing Haast River area, but sadly the rain was so bad we couldn't see the spectacular views. We did stop to see the beautiful Thunder Creek Falls.
This five minute hike required full rain gear.
Momma is still having fun.
Less than 20 minutes later, the weather looked like this an we were nearing our next stop, Wanaka, on Lake Wanaka.
Loving the sun.
The views are amazing.
Hooray for the sun!
