By Liz

20th March

We had some chores to do this morning, the washing, the shopping etc. We eventually cycled to the car park at the start of the hike to the terminal face of the glacier.

Something we have learnt, New Zelanders pronounce Glacier as Glassier. Very strange. Thought we were going bonkers. Are we in America?!

The track to the car park was sweet, it twisted and turned through the bush, and was very picturesque! We got to the start of the hike along with all the coaches, vans and cars and set off. There were a couple of options. The Glacier walk was an hour and a half round trip and took you to approx 750m from the face. Peter’s point was a 5 hour return hike and you climbed above the tree line of the mountains on the side, to get a proper view. We opted, this time, for the easier option.

Along the track there was a story line of where the glacier had stopped during points of time in history. It was quite sad to note how far back it had retreated, and how quickly. We had our lunch at the ‘finishing point’ of the hike, before turning around to go back to the car park and people watched. Was quite fun.

When we returned to the car park we thought we would see Peter’s Pool. The 8 year old who discovered the site, camped at this little pool, and hence the name. I was patiently waiting for the ducks to stop swimming about creating ripples over the water’s surface, when they did stop the reflection was awesome.

Before:

And afterwards:

Next we cycled back into town and went to a kiwi sanctuary. There were 2 kiwis in the enclosure at the time we went, we watched them scurry about foraging for food. It was so dark in there, so no photography allowed. Due to the increased number of four legged creatures (namely all of the road kill we had seen on our rides; stouts, weasels, rats, cats) kiwis are in decline and becoming endangered. The sanctuary rescues eggs and allows them to hatch in safety. They then keep them in the sanctuary enclosure until they are 4-6months old and then set them free in the reserve which is protected. It’s pretty incredible work. I really enjoyed the atmosphere in the place.

Next on the list was to visit the hot pools. There were 3 pools of different temperatures; coolest at 36 degrees, going up to 40 degrees. Delicious! Haven’t had a bath in ages.. good chance to get a good soak on ha.

The heat became rather intense after an hour or so, we went for a burger in town and then cycled back. Very enjoyable rest day!