2X Woods Christmas Vacation- Lakes and Glacier, Day 4

We spent the night in a small town called Alexandra. The church has a small dependent branch here. After breakfast we headed to Wanaka. It was loaded with tourists, and quite a popular spot to be seen, I guess. Luckily the Woods clan wasn't interested in that, so after a quick view of the lake in town, we continued on around the lake, found a small spot on the beach for lunch, then headed further to see how close we could hike to the Rob Roy glacier. We had an hour drive on gravel and washboard. After 9 water crossings, we got there. The van is holding up well. It did start to hear some rattling down low on the washboard after a while.

Looking toward Alexandra.

Stopped at a Lavender Farm near Wanaka. Bought some honey, and other lavender scented stuff.

Lunch spot on Lake Wanaka

The day was again just gorgeous-clear, warm, calm. We parked and headed up a valley. In New Zealand you don't hike. You either are on a walk or a tramp.  Not sure which ours was, maybe in between.  Lois hike up the valley with us, but opted out of the climb up the side canyon toward the glacier.  Didn't want to irritate her knees (and she would have).

We were able to get to the end of the trail below the glacier. The photos don't really show how impressive it was.

We saw several waterfalls along the trail.

The trail up the valley on our walk/tramp.

The river in the valley.

more waterfalls

The swinging bridge over the river, to the hike up the canyon to the glacier.

The swinging bridge is the typical crossing in New Zealand for the walkers.

Lois had a good time on her photo adventure.

All this is part of Mt. Aspiring National Park

End of the up-canyon hike for this girl.

and up we go. Glacier in the distance.

Getting closer

Rob Roy Glacier

Always tourists in the way for a photo.

This was an 8.5 mile round trip hike. 5 years to 65+years. ha ha.

Looking down at the valley.

Farming in the valley.

After all the fun, we returned to Alexandra for the night.