New Zealand - Franz Josef to Haast

We left Franz Josef around 4 in the afternoon and began the journey to Haast which to be honest wasn't that far away.

On the way we stopped of at the Fox Glacier and Knights Point to get out and stretch the old legs as well as having the opportunity for a few more photographs - which of course are spectacular (you'll just have to take my word for it..).

Tonights accommodation was a lodge set in the rainforest by Haast and near the beach. So after a quick dinner and via a stop off in the local pub to grab a few beers we made our way to a small deserted beach where we proceeded to build a bonfire and while the evening away having the craic! Building the fire was rather amusing I have to say - there was a boy scout who thought he would start with twigs and then build the fire around that.....well us girls diagreed so we built a big one - threw some scrub in the middle, lit it and lo and behold there was a cracker bonfire - needless to say everyone else (bar the scout) were very impressed and tried not to snigger behind their hands at Mr Dib Dab Dob or whatever it is they say!

Gradually the lights went out and we were treated to a completely cloudless sky with stars as far as the eye could see. In fact a few of us headed down the beach and lying back picked out the constellations we knew and had a competition to see who could spot the most shooting stars (a few satellites in there to try and trick us too!). This night is one that holds some of my fondest memories - cloudless sky, big bonfire and good company, what else do you need?