This morning it was time to bit farewell to our travel friends as we headed west to our next destination - Franz Joseph Glacier.
The drive was beautiful. We had been told that it would take between 6 and 7 1/2 hrs but in reality it only took 4 1/2 hrs.
I have never seen so many changes in landscape from winding mountain ranges, to the most peaceful and beautiful roads hugging the lakes to finally the Western Coastline. No regrets for taking the long journey west and cant wait til we travel part way back along the Glacier Highway to Wanaka tomorrow afternoon.
The day only got better when when we arrived to our accommodation Franz Alpine Retreat www.jagescape.co.nz. Our first surprise was when we were greeted by our host Jo who i swear was a twin of Jill (back at Lite n Easy) looks, voice, personality, i even had to ask her if she had a sister back in Qld the kids also said they thought it was Jill.

Jo took the time to tell us about the sights worth seeing, the places to shop, get fuel and cash and also a great place for dinner where if we mentioned her name we would get free drinks with dinner.

We checked out our 2 bedroom vila (a modern and warmly decorated self contained cabin) Jo bought us our breakfast supplies and then we headed to the Hot Springs. Although a little pricey $65 for the family (but again thanks to Jo we saved $5 each on towel hire by her telling us to take our own), it was a great way to unwind after such a long drive. Then it was time to check out this reccommendation for dinner.

The Alice May was not to dissappoint. You find it diagonally opposite the Kiwi centre. The atmosphere, service and food was terrific our first 5 smiling face rating for the trip. We arrive 7 minutes before the end of happy hour so we had the pleasure of receivng dinner and drinks for NZ$20. Roast Pork x3 and Fish & Chips. YUMMY!!!!!

Tomorrow we set of for our half day Fox Glacier Hike.