We left Queenstown Wednesday and headed west toward the coast. We spent three days exploring the spectacular Southern Alps. This sparsely populated area is reminiscent of coastal Washington and Oregon - cold, lots of rain, beautiful, and economically depressed because the timber and mining industries are in decline. The people who live here are rugged, independent and creative in finding ways to make a living.
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Wednesday was Kiwi Food Day. I'm copying Lyn Whaley's blog because she summarized it so well. She's one of our fellow travelers.
"We are traveling along New Zealand's west coast taking in the spectacular scenery. Wednesday was "kiwi food day". Our first stop was at an iconic fruit stand. ($1 US = $1.36 New Zealand).
"We are traveling along New Zealand's west coast taking in the spectacular scenery. Wednesday was "kiwi food day". Our first stop was at an iconic fruit stand. ($1 US = $1.36 New Zealand).
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Rachel, the owner, discussing wine with Debbie Next up was a boutique winery. We sampled 3 wines and nibbles.
Then we drove along Lake Wanaka and found a lovely spot for a picnic of traditional meat pies, L&P soda, and fruit.
 Terri, Judy and Margaret having lunch |  My (Lyn) lunch of mushroom and chicken pie and lemony L&P soda |
Finally, a real delicacy, white bait. Yes, we actually ate the tiny fish and they tasted like a fried egg, if you can get past eating the eye."
 Step one: fresh white bait |  Step two: fry on griddle |  Step three: Randall watches the sandwich being made |  Step four: Mel enjoys |
Thursday we explored the Mount Cook region, with its pristine alpine scenery and the Franz Josef, the Mario Andretti of glaciers. After breakfast, we drove to Franz Josef Glacier Valley. The rain slowed and the sun emerged - another beautiful day! We took a 3.5 mile hike of the valley with an expert naturalist guide.
 John, Pat, Terri, Debbie and Ken were first to arrive at the foot of the glacier |  Randall near the Franz Joseph Glacier |
Afterward, we make our way to Punakaiki, where we enjoyed a campfire on the beach outside our hotel that evening.
Thank you, Mel for the night photography.
