Day 7, Saturday 31/1 : Te Anau - Arrowtown - Glacier

Arrowtown sprung up with the discovery of Gold in the Arrow River in 1862. It became famed as one of the richest sources of alluvial gold in the world. Today, Arrowtown has become an attraction as a living historic town and a popular holiday destination renowned for its scenic beauty.

After Arrowtown, we travel about 450km and arrived at the Franz Josef Glacier in the evening. We visited the Fox Glacier followed by Matheson Lake. It was a windy day, we were not able to see the mirroring image of the mountain cook on the Matheson Lake,
Arrowtown

Day 8, Sunday 1/2 : Glacier - Hokitika - Christchurch

After a night rest we visited the famous Franz Josef Glacier (12km long). Both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier descend to levels of about 1000 feet above sea level and are continuing to advance at a rapid rate. We have lunch in Hokitika, visited the Greenstone factory and drove to Plane Table Lookout and Sea View. Then started the spectacular 110km trip on Arthur's Pass National Park back to Christchurch. It was a wonderful experience.
Hokitika
Day 9, Monday 2/2 : Christchuch - Kaikoura - Picton

Kaikoura, the sights were truly unique - we sighted hundreds of fur seals sunbathing on a rocky shore. We wanted to join the whale watching trip, but were advised that it was not suitable for children under 7 years old. We arrived Picton in the evening, getting ready for tomorrow ferry crossing to Wellington.
Seal - Kaikoura

 

Day 10, Tuesday 3/2 : Picton - Wellington

Wellington, the capital city and geographical center of New Zealand. Like any typical city - traffic jam, narrow street, smoke etc.



Day 11, Wednesday 4/2 : Wellington - Napier

Napier was destroyed by a two and a half minute earthquake in 1931. The city were completely rebuilt with marvellous collection of buildings in the 1930's Art Deco style. We enjoyed the self-guided architectural walks.


Day 12, Thursday 5/2 : Napier - Rotorua

After visiting the Cape Kidnappers' Gannet Reserve, the children enjoyed themselves at the Marineland of New Zealand that has performing dolphins, sea lions and other marine animals.
Day 13, Friday 6/2 : Rotorua - Auckland

We recalled Rotorua as the city that fill with sulpher and ammounia smell. The powerful smell and the spectacular geothermal wonders reminded us again and again, we are in one of the world's most active volcanic zones. Early in the morning, we took a tour to Waiotapu where we access to the bubbling, boiling mud pools, beautiful coloured lakes, sulphur cliffs and magnificent spouting geysers.
 
Day 14, Saturday 7/2 : Auckland  
Day 15, Sunday 8/2 : Depart Auckland  
   
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