South to Fiordland / Jan 19 - 20

On our way to the west coast we came to Murchison, a cute farming village surrounded by mountains

with a 150 yr old hotel that hosts young NZ bands

and attracts a houseful of all ages to listen.

Driving south along the sea

They promised us penguins.  But none to be found.

We stopped at an isolated beach,

home to these guys (oystercatchers)

who were rather unfriendly.

Eeeee!

Next up, Pancake Rocks

We spent a rainy night in Hokitika and visited  Hokitika Gorge the next morning.

And on to the Franz Joseph Glacier

Unfortunately, a few people have ignored these signs and met an untimely end.  Darwin at work?

Downtown Franz Joseph at rush hour