View of views

Since it's winter here in NZ, we haven't had to pre-book anything (tours, reservations for dinner, etc) - but that strategy failed on us this morning when we were shut out of the tour we wanted to take hiking onto Fox Glacier.  Instead, we headed out to Lake Matheson for what is promised as the "view of views" of all of New Zealand.  Thanks to amazing blue skies and clear weather, that promise did not disappoint.  We not only enjoyed stunning vistas of Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman (and their reflection in the lake) but also got a unexpectedly interesting 90 minute walk through a temperate rain forest.  Two thumbs way up.

We then headed to Fox Glacier and did our own walk to the terminal face (no walking ON the glacier itself without a guide, but we could get pretty close).  The glacier itself was pretty cool but having seen so many larger and more impressive ones in Alaska, it was slightly underwhelming.  If we'd sprung for the $400 pp heli-hike option where we'd get dropped at the top of the glacier and hiked for a few hours, it may have been more impressive, but we couldn't justify the $1200 cost for the three of us.  Maybe next time...

Ultimately, we were happy with how the day at the glaciers turned out, despite the initial disappointment of missing out on the tour.

The rest of the day was spent driving from Fox Glacier down the West Coast to Wanaka, over the Haast pass.  Our great weather continued to follow us, and we were rewarded with absolutely amazing views the entire way.  It seemed like every time we turned a corner, another vista appeared that took our breath away.  At one point Erin got mad at New Zealand for being so beautiful - it just isn't fair.  Hee hee.

8/13/13 update: photos added!