Oh my gosh...this was a wonderful tour to beat all tours. Ellen and I made the 12:30 tour of Franz Josef glacier.  We had a guide and were outfitted with socks, boots, crampons, rainslickers, hats and gloves.  We trekked through riverbeds and then 300 km above sea level to the glacier.  It was magnificent.  We spent about 1 1/2 hours on the ice itself and thankfully those crampons aided in the ascent and descent on the ice only.  Afterwards, we went to the hot pools and relaxed after the 4 hour climb.  I didn't think I would enjoy the hot pools, but it was definitely relaxing after such an arduous afternoon.

Tomorrow we're heading east, perhaps through Alblert's Pass.  Our destination in north of Christchurch, head north, and then to the North Island.

As always, we're meeting wonderful people who have lots of time on holiday.
Young and old, they're all friendly and share their experiences and suggestions with us.

Stay well, everyone!