We have elected to spend an additional night here in Whataroa in order to take in the trip to see the White Heron Breeding grounds.
We
were scheduled to take a Heli-hike on the Franz-Josef Glacier
today but, in spite of the wonderful blue skies, wind conditions
at the top of the Glacier prevented helicopter from landing.
We did, however, take a 30-minute scenic flight from The
Helicopter Line, which included a landing on the Fox Glacier.
The flight itself was excellent and smooth. There are several
chopters operating on this route and others land on the ice
- but rather than taking away from the experience - they actually
add to it. None land close to each other which allows you to
appreciate the size and scale of the mountains and glaciers
you're looking at. It's quite wonderful, actually.
Behind
the DOC
Information Centre (at the south end of town opposite the
Church pictured right) there is a hut which was built in 1912
for a price of �120 and was the first place in which tourists
stayed when visiting the Franz Josef Glacier. The DOC Information
Centre has plenty of information on walks and such likes that
can be done in the area.
We made some investigations this evening about the Rowi kiwi which is "nationally critical" and resident to Okarito close to Whataroa.
