Position 41 45.313S 172 23.578E

Huge rock slide on the drive up to Fox glacier.

This is a kea (Nestor notablis)  – a mountain parrot – that we found in the car park.  Look at that beak.  Olive green with a lovely splash of red underneath.  Rated one of the most intelligent birds in the world, good at problem solving. Only found in the South Island almost hunted to extinct by farmers who thought attacking lambs. 

Paul ready for our ascent.  A number of people have died getting up close and personal, the final two being a  couple of Indians.  Since then they keep the tourists well away from the glacier.  You have warning signs, bits of string fencing off access (literally).  Close up and personal is with guided tours only.  Good way to ensure tourism feeds into the economy. 

Ice in the river.

Pointing the way..

In the distance.. and a nice river shot