Franz Josef

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From Pearson Lake we drove through some amazing terrain and down the coast to Hokitika where the kids all picked out some jade jewelry. 

The waves on the beach were enormous and the town was a little barren aside from all the jewelry shops so we hopped back in the van and drove down the coast to Franz Josef.

As the mountains and forests enfolded us we felt like we were coming home.

We pulled into a funky and very tight holiday park. I needed all the kids’ help to back the camper into a nice private spot beside a little lagoon. We went out for dinner after a long day of driving and then fell asleep. Ty and Zeke tucked our tent in the back corner of the site. I think we found the biggest site in the campground and it was still tight to fit the vehicle and the tent.

The next day we did the tourist hikes to see the glaciers and the views. Weather was gorgeous and the drive up the valley was stunning.

Before we left we moved camp to a smaller less private site but crucially it had power to charge everyone’s devices. Also it was very near the entrance. I was stressing a bit thinking of driving out of this campground and meeting another big camper coming in.

The kids marvelling at the size of the sites. Cultus lake has spoiled us!

Our new site was much more open and the vibe in the back bed was very organic.

That day we did a second hike to a beautiful gorge.

And that night after dinner the sunset called us out to the river for some rockhopping and amazing views.

We walked home during the golden hour and the kids saw keas for the first time. They thought it was fun. Little did we know…

Check my new belt! Making the best of it…

Mikaya was vibing with the cheeky humour of the campground:

After she made me take this shot (and send it to auntie Julie!) she dragged Kylie over for a photoshoot as well.

From Mikaya’s journal: [me and may mom saw a sin. One said camp hir don’t care and I cood rlat and thir was anufer one it seid is it himid today and my mom cood rlat]

After a nice breakfast in the sunshine we were back on the road to wanaka!