Haast Pass to Fox Glacier
I've decided to start including a map here and there so you have a better idea of the general area I'm in as I post. The next few posts were experienced in that green bit there (the West Coast, whose residents are known as "Coasters"), from south to north. This 23,000 square kilometer area is sparsely populated compared to the rest of New Zealand, with just over 30,000 people in the entire region. This may be due to the significantly higher population of the sandfly, whose unpleasant bites leave one looking like an uncompleted game of Connect-the-Dots (read the Cultural Views section of the wiki for a laugh).
March 1st found the Haast Pass still under a blanket of drizzle, but this was unsurprising since the area, as well as the rest of the west coast, receives rain for almost two thirds of the year. The rainforest wouldn't be much without the rain, though! And the flora takes full advantage of the moisture, claiming real estate on every available surface; a thick layer of spongy vines matted the tree trunks, ferns carpeted the forest floor, and vegetation collectively formed arches across the trails.
The previous photos were taken along a short walk to Fantail Falls.
The river rocks had such variety in their colours, including the green of the aptly named greenstone.
This was a very long one-way bridge; it was impossible to see if a car was at the other end.
Thankfully, there were passing bays along the way.
This is what the bridge was going over.
More misty vistas.
Risking my life for another road photo. ;)
I drove past this pond, did a double-take, and promptly pulled a U-turn to go back and photograph it!
I stepped in a hole and soaked my shoes getting this shot, so please appreciate it!
I arrived in the small town of Fox Glacier, which exists solely to facilitate tourists in accessing -- you guessed it, the Fox Glacier. I'd been car camping for three nights at this point and thus had not had a shower or hot meal in as long, so it was time to treat myself to a hostel. There is officially only one hostel in Fox Glacier and they were full, but I used my spidy senses and discovered that the Inn next door also offered backpacker accommodation. I was no less than thrilled when I was told I could have a room to myself for $25, as only groups were occupying the other rooms! I had a luxurious shower, did my laundry, and cooked sausages, toast, and corn for dinner. I'm telling you, a hostel is like the Ritz after sleeping in your car (although I quite enjoy the sleeping under the stars bit).
Next up: Walking on the Fox Glacier!