New Zealand South Island, Rainy West Coast and Sunny East Coast

30 Oct - 8 Nov 2011

The trip started with Qantas labor union strike on 29 Oct which delayed the flight. So I had to book SIA on 30th Oct instead. Well, the first dinner I had was seafood themed. Which was a welcome especially after the Qantas delay.

Seafood!!!

Fast forward to the West Coast trip, still being inexperienced in planning trips, I did not check the weather beforehand, therefore, the 4 seasons of West Coast greeted us.
We visited Greymouth and the roaring waves,

Big Waves

Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, with cold wave descending frequently, "sugarcoating" the forest on the mountains. We got hit by lots of hail. The glacier itself is magnificent though.

Franz Joseph Glacier, with frozen trees on both sides of the valley

However, when we are leaving the west coast, the weather clears up. Giving us a taste of what it would look like on a nice weather, which is what spring should be.

Lake Mapourika - Morning mist with still mirror-like reflection

Southern Alps still have the trees frozen even though the weather already cleared of rain and hell.

After the not so successful trip to visit the west coast, bro decided to bring us to Akaroa on a sunny day.

Akaroa - French Town in a crater

Lastly, before we leave New Zealand, we went to visit Christchurch city center, which most of the areas still closed due to the earlier earthquake.

Still closed off section of Christchurch

Last thoughts, I'll be back!! (with better preparation)