Franz Josef.

There are a few of these suspension bridges on the West Coast.

It was a cool start to the day but it turned out to be another beauty with no cloud and full on sunshine. It was only a short run of 58km’s but as it’s Easter week-end we wanted to be sure to get sites at the NZMCA park at Franz Josef. We needn’t have worried as there was plenty of sites available. Not long after we arrived 2 campers left and needless to say they had been in the best sites so as they left we moved into the vacated sites.

Waiho River Bailey Bridge.

As todays drive had been quite torturous with about a third of the distance being a twisting and windy road with many “U” bends of very slow speed limits it was decided that a quiet afternoon would not be out of place.

Franz Josef village.

After lunch we walked into town which was only 10 minutes away for some supplies and a look around. We visited 2 churches, one of which had a view of the Franz`Josef glacier from the altar window. This church was threatened by flooding a few years ago in which the SH6 road bridge was washed away. Hopefully the embankment that has been built alongside the church will keep it safe and out of harms way. In the meantime the bridge has been replaced by a Bailey bridge until  a new bridge is forthcoming.

Annual rainfall figures makes interesting reading.Franz Josef is the 5th from the left. Wellington is the 2nd from the left.

Defiance Hut. Built in 1916 and moved twice on the mountain. Now restored as a tourist attraction in Franz Josef.