Where in the world is this? Any guesses? Which continent?  Well it is a mixture. You don’t have to be a scientist to go exploring, however, many scientists visit this site and/or monitor its activity from afar.

Gray & Vicki Eatwell own and operate “Exposed” Alpine Fault Tour and it is their job to get us close to a work of Mother Nature at Gaunt Creek.

On a glorious sunny day in early August we set off from the small township of Whataroa, located south of Hokitika (near Franz Josef Glacier) in South Westland (Yes, this is New Zealand). New Zealand is a young country and Mother Nature has been undertaking some major landscaping. New Zealand’s prime spot in the South Pacific puts us on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the same continental plate that skirts California, Japan and Indonesia.

The South Island Alpine Fault

The Red Line is the “onshore” section of the Alpine Fault

The Alpine Fault was first identified in the 1940s. Most of the West Coast (of the South Island) is located on the Australian plate.  The mighty Southern Alps and the East Coast of the South Island are on the Pacific plate. We always have friendly rivalry with our neighbouring regions but this is serious stuff.  The Alpine Fault line runs from Fiordland in the south up the West Coast and then out to the Pacific Ocean.

Scientists have eagerly drilled into the Alpine Fault to monitor what happens and to gain a better understanding of plate tectonics and earthquakes. At the “observatory” all the high tech equipment is below ground so we cannot observe the observing!!

We have a small creek to cross and Gray & Vicki have this organised with some re-purposed farm equipment. No need to feel sheepish.

Here is Vicki telling us NOT to jump on this small monitoring box otherwise  some very sensitive equipment will think that we are having The BIG ONE and someone in Wellington or perhaps even Japan will  go on full alert.

Did I mention it was a  Glorious Day??

Gray explains the forces of nature – as the rocks collide, compress, grind, and uplift.

At this site the Pacific plate is dominant over the Australian plate. Of course the Australian plate doesn’t like this and is pushing back, hence the Southern Alps. As well as the East/West battle we have North/South friction.

Here Gerard is facing North and I’m ready to head South. Well if we stayed here long enough it might happen.

Looks like time to pat the spine of the sleeping Giant. Thankfully it didn’t wake up.

Chris is set to cross from one continent to another – a giant leap for man!!

Plenty of time to take photos and be Rock Hounds, inspecting the different formations. New pieces are constantly being unveiled and Gray spies a fine example to add to his collection. Some of the larger rocks we reluctantly have to leave behind.

The West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island is a rock hounds paradise, and museum collections will give those interested a great insight into this regions complex geology and mineralisation

A big thank you to Gray & Vicki for taking us on this special tour and increasing our knowledge. Always lovely to get out and about in Glacier Country.

For further info check: www.alpinefaulttours.co.nz

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WELCOME to Spring in New Zealand. The changeable landscape is changing again and we are inspired by this Haiku composed by Lynne Hopkinson, Mount Hope, Ontario (Canada). Lynne explored NZ in springtime 2012 and has graciously shared her Haiku with her hosts and now with all of you.

winter slowly passed 
the land of the long white cloud
spring comes, the sun warms

thin snow-fingers creep
foreboding snow-capped mountains
peeking down at clouds

 shadows long and dark
coming from one direction
shortening to naught

hoping not to fall
bare tree roots cling to grey rocks
and to each other

 grey rivers rushing
impeded by rocks and stones
slow to a trickle

 boulders in bare fields
interfering with the land
from where have they come

 soft winds whispering
clouds creature-shaped and wispy
drift across the sky

stands of brown beech trees
shriveled leaves grasping branches
await new spring coats

sporting new crew cuts
long stands of border hedges
shelter furrowed lands

young spring lambs crying
all searching for their mothers
dot newly greened fields

reflected in pools
yellow and white daffodils
reaching for the sun

 spreading silver ferns
protect trickling streams and brooks
and dark pine forests

lakes turn grey to green
fruit trees bud, blossom and bloom
exquisite birds call

tussocks wave and sway
long brown grass turning to green
greets the new season

Lynne on one of her adventures, exploring White Island, NZ. White Island is an active Volcano off the coast of the Bay of Plenty

Thank you Lynne for your delightful Haiku.
We look forward to more words of wisdom from your next adventure.

Franz Joseph Glacier, South Westland

Lynne also visited the Franz Josef Glacier in South Westland (South Island), staying at

Holly Homestead

Holly Homestead. Hot one week and cold the next!!  New Zealand can have “four seasons in one day” so always be prepared with your sunscreen and your jacket.

The Franz Josef Glacier is located within the Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Many visitors expect that we live high in the mountains, whereas the township is located approx 150 metres above sea level. Our wonderful region has lush rainforest, stunning coastal scenery, rivers, reflective lakes, snow capped mountains year round, and (of course) glaciers.

If you need some adventure with your scenery, here is a sample of some activities in Glacier Country:

Kayaking Lake Mapourika

Franz Joseph Glacier Group in crevasse

Quad Bikes-Franz Joseph

Thanks again to Lynne for her Haiku.

Happy springtime to everyone, everywhere.

Best wishes from Bernie & Gerard at Holly Homestead.

2900 Franz Josef Highway (SH 6 – P O Box 35 )
Franz Josef Glacier 7856
South Westland

[email protected]
www.hollyhomestead.co.nz

The post Greetings from Glorious Franz Josef Glacier. appeared first on Heritage Inns.