FOX GLACIER — HAAST, 11th March, 2021

Woke up to a brilliant day after all the rain we had yesterday. I had said that we were having two nights here at Fox Top 10 Holiday Park but decided to move on to Haast today. Didn’t like the Lady in the office the way she treated us when we checked in. It was like checking into a military camp wouldn’t let us speak, she said you listen to me, when I was about to ask a question, I will get your details then I will tell you about the camp.  I was just trying to tell her which site number we would like to request.  The camp was no where near half full. Next she said I have put you in such n such site.  Didn’t like her attitude not like other Top 10 camps they have all been extremely pleasant. I can’t wait to do the review they always ask for........Left camp about 9.30am . Before we left Fox we drove 5 mins further on from where we stayed to Lake Matheson and the walk right round the lake about 5km. We finally left Fox Glacier Village heading for Haast. Stopping at a few points of interest on the way. Booked into the Haast River Motels and Holiday Park for two nights. As we want to spend tomorrow travelling further down the west coast to as far as it goes approx another 47km to Jackson’s Bay. Will  spend a good part of the day there and then drive back up to Haast for our second night here. A really nice camp . With everything you need. We walked 7km all up today.

Two nights at Haast. Day trip down to Jackson Bay. Circled on map.

We woke up this morning to this beautiful site and crystal clear day. Taken from our van in the campsite.

I put this photo in from yesterday which I took before we booked into camp. In the saddle of the two hills is the same saddle as the first photo but of cause taken from different spots. What a contrast just couldn’t believe that blue sky after all the rain and low cloud that we had all day yesterday.

This shot is taken today in roughly the same place as the one above taken yesterday.

We have now arrived at lake Matheson to do the walk around the lake. What a perfect day for it as this lake is famous for its reflections. The above is a swing bridge which PT isn’t too keen on. Not too bad when the two of us are walking over it but when we came back after our loop of the lake there were several people crossing which really got it moving. Try taking a photo on a swinging bridge under its movement. Very difficult.

Our first peep of the lake beautiful colours.

A perfect day for the reflections. 

The area is immaculately kept and presented with these boardwalks and below the well manicured walkways. One of the best kept recreation areas we have seen. On saying that the South Island does a really good job maintaining all their parks, reserves etc. Really good.

Walking further around the lake we came across another purpose built lookout. Above and below. Just magic.

Just coming to the end of our walk and heading to the car park. Just a different angle of the mountains again. The left peak is Mt Tasman  and the right peak is Mt Cook. By the time we finished we were so hot could have done with a swim in the river but I not that mad.

This is one of those picture frame shots but the person taking it didn’t get it quite right.

Above and below. Finally leaving Fox Village. Our final drive through to continue south.

One of the so many single lane bridges. So many rivers so many bridges.

Looking up a river as we crossed.

We have now come to Bruce Bay where we stopped and made lunch and had a coffee.

Looking down the coast the southern end. Just sat there watching every wave smashing against  the big boulders that have been built up like this right along the side of the road. Big seas come in here so the waves must get really high.

Hitting the road again

Crossing another river over another single lane bridge.

Lake Paringa

Another lovely well kept area at this lake.

Great lookout. Looking south. 

Took this from a purpose made viewing tower to  take the above photo and the next two below.

This is the start of a boardwalk going round to a lagoon. 

Standing looking down from the tower to our camper in the car park.

This is a very long single lane bridge. It had two passing bays on each side. 

View from the above bridge.

As you would have worked out by now I love all these river photos.

Nice spot to camp for the next two nights looking out to the mountains. Love it even down to the old tractor behind. 

This camp site could have originally been part of a farm and it looks like the owner has diversified. There are a lot of farming implements lying around.  I have now  found a new friend.  A horse who talks to me every time I walk past him. Not sure where the other chap has gone!!

Another great day on the West Coast. Down to Jackson Bay for most of the day tomorrow but of cause have to be back in time for THE  CUP

GO ETNZ, 🤞 This time boys. ✔️