I was not very thrilled about Pancake Rocks. Although, we did reserve a hotel that was close by, we were not very hopeful that we could get there before it got dark. Funny thing, actually had time to spare and apparently chose the best time to visit: at sunset.
The landscaping could not be more magnificent. Wavy rocks in front of a vast ocean. The sun trying to hide behind. The water splashing hard against their surface. Smooth wind and mild temperature. The trail? 1 km, completely paved. The walk? Very pleasant with an impressive view all throughout.
Interestingly enough, we got to see but not experience the blowout holes, or at least, that is what we thought. Turned out that at night we heard their extreme power and their unbeatable force. Wow!
The next morning, we started driving towards Hokitika Gorge. It seemed like an easy 650 m hike and it was on the way to Franz Joseph Glacier, the spot that was supposed to be the highlight of the day.
Turns out, we started with the right foot. The place was not crowded and we were lucky enough to enjoy it almost all by ourselves. The good news is that there is a quick lookout as soon as you walk in. Then, you go through a hanging bridge (those are always fun) and then you get to the end of the path: with a lovely view and a pile of rocks.
The bad news is that contemplation gets interrupted for the huge amount of mosquitoes that apparently like to live around those rocks. This was the first time I got bit by them during our entire trip. Even so, I enjoyed it as much as I could. I knew I was going to regret it later (I am allergic to mosquito bites), but it was well worth it!
We were saving the best for later. Got into the car and drove for a few hours until we got to Franz Joseph Glacier lookout. The hike there was going to be 5.4 km and people usually say it takes about an hour and a half. Spoiler alert: we saw the glacier as soon as we got into the parking lot.
So, should we actually go and see it? Why would it be any different? Reviews recommend to visit the place. Helicopter tours offer the service. Special hike tours will take you inside for a fee. Are we really not going to see it up close? My husband actually reserved -and cancelled-a helicopter tour that included a walk through the glacier, but by then he was not even considering walking all the way. What? For me it was a matter of principle. We were already there! Our day was planned around it! We were doing it! Glad we did!
As it was noon by the time we parked, we decided to have our picnic lunch before we started the walk. Wise decision on our part. The place was crowded and the temperature a little chili. The trail started with a paved path and then we got to a lookout. To be honest, not very appealing hike. Appeared to be zigzagging in a flat terrain that seemed very rocky.
No thinking. We just went for it. Should be easy, right? We got to go downhill into the rocky surface and then it was just a matter of getting close to the glacier.
But life is full of surprises, and this was a good one. As soon as we went down, we ran into a beautiful waterfall on the side. As if that wasn’t enough, there were of plenty of little ones all around the surrounding mountains. We were on the lookout!
The walk was not the best as the rocks will make it harsh You could easily hurt yourself if you try to do it too fast. However, the path was overall pleasant, easy and worth it. We got to the end of the path and we were able to contemplate the glacier in all its beauty. Plenty of spaces to just sit down and watch.
The rush, as always, was on the way back. We wanted to visit the Blue Pools at Wanaka. We have heard awesome things about the place. The problem was that running to the car was not an option. However, we did go on a fast paced walk. We actually ended up jogging on the very last portion when the trail got back to paved. It did save some time!
After a 2 hr and 40 minute drive, we finally arrived. In was late in the afternoon but fortunately the sunset comes late at night. We had plenty of time. The easy hike was supposed to be just 1.5 km.
Indeed, it was not very crowded and it was very pleasant to walk. Again, beautiful views and an exciting hanging bridge to go around. Apparently, in New Zealand it wouldn’t be the same without them!
However, the best was for last. We got to a second hanging bridge and suddenly starting to wonder about the pools. I thought they were supposed to be a km away. Were are they? Well, we needed to stop on the bridge and look down. There they are!
Believe me, the photos don’t do any justice. Unfortunately, the sun doesn’t hit the pools in the afternoon and the wind generates some waves in the perfectly blue and transparent water. OMG! Is has been the most beautiful natural pool I have ever seen in my entire life!
I didn’t want to leave the hanging bridge, but no more than 10 people are allowed at the same time. We continued through the trail and got to the other side. Took a few pictures and returned to the bridge when it didn’t seem like we were going to be holding anybody back. We stayed there for a while. I totally lost the track of time.
After, we went down to get a closer look. What we got were astonishing views all the way around! Unforgettable! Highly recommended! Apparently, we saved the best for last!
Wookitu 