March 24 – Punakaiki

March 24, 2016 – Franz Josef Glacier
At 7:30 am it was decided that the helicopter ride would be cancelled.
There was talk that the only road into the glacier was washed out but by 8:30 we got word that we could make it in. We got to the park and our guide got on the bus to say that the hiking path was underwater. He suggested that he quickly explain about the glacier and then we head back out to continue our drive north. He said the levees north were threatened and we might not make it through if we wait.
We stopped at a craft store where I purchased a merino/possum wool sweater. It is really warm and soft. I justified the cost because I saved the money for the cqncelled helicopter ride.
We had lunch in Hokitika. OAT paid for lunch today to make up for not getting to the glacier. After we were done, we went to a photography gallery where we saw magnificent photos of the west coast and native birds. After that we went to a jade jewelery store where we got a talk about how jade is mined, polished, and carved into the jewelry shapes. While there, I saw a Icebreaker shirt on sale and spent more of my saved helicopter money. Icebreaker clothing is made in NZ from merino wool and cools when it is warm out and warms you when it is cool. Magic? Who knows!
We got to Punakaiki at 4pm and did the Pancake Rocks and Blowhole hike. It was low tide so no blowholes. The rocks were fantastic. They were formed by glacial pressure.
Tomorrow is up in the air. Scheduled is a bus tour but some are thinking about staying here and doing a 3 hour hike. I’ll decide after I understand what there is to see on the bus tour.
All the pictures are from the Pancake Rock Hiking Trail.