The Franz Josef Glacier 12/14/2010

A viewpoint along the coast on the way the see the glacier

Robyn and Franz Josef

Posing in Sunnies with Franz

Castle Rocks a bit east of Arthur's Pass

The rocks sit on what appears to be grazing land for some dairy cows.

The Franz Josef Glacier is another of New Zealand's impressive sights that is easily accesible. Well, easily accesible after a long drive along a winding coastal road. This large glacier slides down the western slopes of the South Islands dividing range. It is very much part of the tourist circuit and was one of the few times we experienced what might be considered a crowd. Afterwards, on our drive to Christchurch we happened upon a remarkable rock formation called Castle rocks. These limestone behemoths are popular among rock climbers and are culturally important to the Maori people.