Half Around The World In 80 Days

It is now time to sample a different mode of transport. The 'Magic Bus' advertises itself as the flexible and fun way for independent travellers to get around. This kind of works. There are lots of other young solo travellers on the bus, so you are never stuck for company and a sense of camaraderie does develop with your fellow travellers. The bus driver will also book your accommodation and activities along the way, which makes for stress-free travelling. However, there is a downside as the bus drags you to many sites of dubious interest (panning for gold in a plastic bucket) and drops you off for endless breaks at crappy cafes and fruit stalls. Still though, it is more fun than renting a car by yourself so I shouldn't complain too much. It takes the bus three days to make the trip south from Greymouth to Queenstown, a trip which an enthusiastic car driver could possibly manage in one day !

The main attractions on this stretch of coastline are the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers which both terminate in easily accessible temperate forests. I go for a half-day hike on the Franz Josef glacier along with numerous other Magic Bus travellers. Up on the glacier in our ice shoes it is like another world. It is surprising to me to see the huge rocks and debris which drifts along on top of the ice to be dropped in the melt zone at the glacier face. The climb involves crossing some deep crevasses and is wildly exhilarating.

Icy-cold meltwater flowing from Franz Josef glacier

Foley the Sherpa in his element

Glacier moraine debris and cave mouth at Franz Josef