A little more of the West Coast - Jade and Glacier Country

The West Coast is home to Jade Country - Pounamu or Greenstone as it is known to New Zealanders.  This beautiful stone has many variations in colour and there are some incredibly beautiful pieces to be found in the some of the shops and galleries along the West Coast.  

There are a few of these in Hokitika including one an open workshop where you can watch the talents of the crafts people. This place also had some larger breath taking creations as well. Pounamu has a treasured spiritual significance and was historically used by Maori people for weapons, tools and personal items.  

Hokitika is approximately a 35 minute drive south of Greymouth and is also home to the Hokitika Gorge which is one of those must do type of places. The gorge is about 33 kms from Hokitika and the road is full of twists and turns, however, don't give up on it because again, the scenery is spectacular.

There is a short walk from the car park to a viewing platform where the colour of the water below is something else! There is a swing bridge you can walk across to the other side where you will see the rugged ravine and be much closer to the extraordinary blue water.

From Hokitika, you drive down towards the Glacier Country where you will find two of the most accessible glaciers - Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.

Franz Josef has a lovely little township with a number of places you can stay.  The West Coast Wildlife Centre is located there and you are able to do a tour to see the kiwi birds.

If you're staying a night or two in Franz Josef, then I'd recommend the Glacier Hot Pools where you can relax in the larger public pool or take the option of a private pool.  We had a private pool which was blissful and decadent.  

If you're a fan of Thai food then the King Tiger Eastern Eating House and Bar is the place for you.  The food is delicious and the atmosphere is great.

On the outskirts of Franz Josef, you will find the road heading towards the glacier. It's an impressive sight to see the terminal face of the glacier from the carpark! For those who are fit and adventurous, there is a walk to the terminal face and for those who don't feel up to the hike, there is a short walk to Peter's Pool Reflection. It's a beautiful peaceful spot where you can sit and enjoy the reflection of the terminal face and snow capped mountains.

A half hour drive south of Franz Josef will take you to Fox Glacier where again you are able to see the terminal face. The other thing you may notice is the sound of aircraft and if you look up, you will regularly see helicopters in the sky doing glacier tours.

There is a short walk from the car park to a space where you can get some great views of the terminal face of Fox Glacier and see some of the sheer rocks leading in.

I don't know that I'd quite have the courage to do a helicopter flight up to the glaciers, I love the idea but I'm not a fan of flying at the best of times and the thought of doing that in a helicopter is something else again. Who knows?  One day in my dotage I may find the courage!