We are in the small town of Franz Josef and today would be the day we explore the glaciers in the area. However, we awoke to clouds, more clouds and off and on rain. “M” told us our scheduled glacier helicopter flight, which most of us had signed up for, might not happen. We would have to wait to see if this extremely variable weather might clear up in time.

The morning activity was to go to the nearby, very small, ocean side village of Okarito for a boat ride/nature hike to see the bird life on the very large lagoon that exists there. We bundled up, rode in the rain, which stopped, then started again as we arrived in the “village”. Some 30 people live here full-time.  The rest of the small homes (called a bach in NZ) are summer homes for people to come and enjoy life on an ocean coastline. It reminded me of a very small version of some of the small towns we have on the Pacific Ocean coast. Life there is pretty simple. Most people are involved with tourism in one way or another. Our local guide was Paula who is originally from Winnipeg. She lives here with her significant other 8 months a year running bird watching tours, then goes to British Columbia during the Canadian summer hosting bike tours. They follow summer wherever it happens to be.

Yvonne and I chose not to go on the open boat looking for birds as it was still drizzling. Instead Paula gave us a tour of the local “town” and showed us the devastation made by the rare cyclone that hit the area on February 1. We all reconvened in a local home for tea and “biscuits” before returning to the hotel.

About half of our group had signed up for an afternoon helicopter ride BUT the weather was very “iffy” at the glacier area. After lunch we walked to the helicopter office and indeed learned that all flights had been cancelled for the day. I am pleased that they are wise enough not to push the envelope just to gain more income.

As an alternative “M” took those interested on a short hike near the glacier to a couple of viewpoints. About half of us decided to go. The rain had stopped and the clouds retreated enough for us to actually see the glacier.  There were a series of photos on display that showed how much the glacier has retreated in the last 100 years. A few more decades and you will not be able to see it from this viewpoint.

The second viewpoint was a reflecting pond called “Pete’s Pool” after the boy who originally found it. The reflection of the mountain range was there but you could hardly see the tip of the glacier anymore. It will soon disappear from the reflecting pond.

The visit to Franz Josef was over. Many of our fellow travelers were disappointed that it was not more accessible or viewable. We were not that disappointed as we have seen and experienced glaciers before.

Tommorrow we head further up the coast to see the famous pancake rock formations.