new zealand (south island) : day 1 and 2

Dear folks - I have to apologise for the delay about this post. It's been over 2 months since I have been to NZ but here is finally the post on it! I just got back last Tuesday from my Asia trip so you can definitely expect more travel posts to come. In terms of fashion, I haven't been very shopping active lately but first, I have a surprise ordered which I will reviews right after I receive it and second, once I get back to Paris you can expect some massive reviews (hopefully). I am still waiting on the fall collection to appear in boutiques. 

Day 1 - Franz Joseph Glacier 

After a little bit more than couple of hours flight, I landed into Christchurch slightly before midnight. I had to be awaken before 6am the next day for the start of new adventures. The first day was mostly driving all day. We passed funny towns such as Springfield, which indeed had a massive doughnut and other deserted towns. The drive was really pleasant, especially when passing through Arthur's Pass. The view of the mountains was simply breathtaking. Early in the afternoon we arrived around the Franz Joseph village, where we were about to hike the glacier. Some of us, including myself were supposed to do the helicopter flight but unfortunately it got cancelled because of weather conditions. We had the opportunity to "hike" up until we could see the glacier but not hike the glacier itself. To make myself clearer, the usual track was closed after a tourist went off track and died. If you wish to hike into the ice, etc. you need to get up there by helicopter and then hike with professional guides. It lasts about 4 hours and costs nearly NZ$400 (or more), which is really expensive. Although the rain was almost stormy and knocking us out, the result was totally worth it. Nothing better than ending up in hot springs after the hike to warm up!

PS: the river's lake always appear as 'dirty' because of its dark colour but it is actually very clean and is called the 'glacier milk'. 

Day 2 - Fox Glacier & Wanaka 

To my greatest happiness, the second day also started with a glacier visit. This time not really a trek or hike but more of a view. We headed down near Lake Matheson, a very popular lake for photographers wishing to capture the famous reflection of Mt Cook and both glaciers on the lake. On this matter we were really lucky. I also had the best coffee with the best view, ready for another few hours of driving. If you go to Lake Matheson, make sure you stop at the main coffee shop (L'Affaire), and if you can afford the NZ$300, do take the opportunity as the photos have made me jealous! The most reliable company is the Glacier Helicopters (red and white). 

After snacking crackers and hummus the whole day, we finally arrived in Wanaka in the late afternoon. On our way to Wanaka, we stopped by Haast River and Lake Hawea, another must see. Haast River is a deep turquoise river - although it looks like the Caribbean sea, whilst Hawea is a massive lake you come across right before arriving in Wanaka. Wanaka was an absolutely lovely little town and I wish we stayed a little bit longer ie. more than one night. The lake area is really nice and perfect to chill on your own, with friends or if you fancy a bit of romance. With the colours of autumn the atmosphere was perfect. However, it was during the Easter weekend and most pubs and bars had strict rules on alcohol and food - you had to order food and one day if you wished to drink. We found the perfect little pub in front of the lake. It was a bit chilly outside but the thai style pumpkin and coconut soup heated us up. I have to say this was my ideal perfect autumn day: lake chilling and soup for dinner - what else?  

Lake Wanaka at dusk with the perfect cotton candy sky