March 19, 2026
We woke up this morning had breakfast and half of us headed to today’s first adventure, a helicopter ride with a glacier landing. Our group of 9 was split between two helicopters according to weight. Mine had two other non group passengers.
We took off and began flying across the plain up to the mountains above town. Although receiving, the glaciers are still enormous.
Our pilot took us over a couple of ridges and multiple glaciers
We nosed into one at the top of the mountain and landed. We got out and explored the glacier for a bit taking amazing pictures.
We loaded back into our helicopter and flew over another couple mountain ranges and a lake before returning to the Heliport.
It was a short but amazing adventure. Truly, the best views of any mountain terrain we’ve had.
We next went down the street to the Franz Joseph wildland center for a private tour.
We started off learning about The Tuatara. They are not lizards, but closely resemble them. They have a skeletal system that is not connected. All bones are free floating. They have thought to be closely related to dinosaurs.
Back in the car for a 2 Hour Dr. to the Hokitika gorge. We spent about 30 minutes exploring the incredibly blue river and Vista points.
Again, back in the car for another hour of driving to the Mawhera Pa Maori cultureal center for another short, private tour.
Our final drive is to Arthur‘s pass village where we will spend the night. On the way there the car I am in stopped at a very eclectic restaurant. It was the last minute decision, and a good one. We got ribeye steaks on a full plate of food for less than $22 US. The restaurant is absolutely packed with odd and historic items.
We finally reached the mountain house hostel where we will spend the night. Once I got dark, the stars in the dark sky were amazing. It was a perfect end to a great day.
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