Diamantina

Here's a link to interesting article that's mainly about NZ's Franz Josef Glacier, how it's been affected by climate change and how its village is experiencing an ever-growing tourism boom. A good read for those who've been there or are planning on visiting.
https://interactives.stuff.co.nz/2018/04/thin-ice/

Melnq8

Fascinating article Diamantina, thanks for posting. We first visited Franz Josef in 1993 and I swear it's been different on every subsequent visit.

We leave for the SI on Saturday - not as far south as Dunedin...but your neck of the woods none-the-less. Fingers crossed for some sunshine here and there.

Diamantina

Melnq8, glad you found the article interesting. "We first visited Franz Josef in 1993 and I swear it's been different on every subsequent visit." I have no doubt of this. I lined up two photos I took of FJ glacier, taken three years apart during the same time of year and I was shocked at the rate the glacier had retreated. I can relate to the concept of "last-chance tourism" of wanting to see things before they disappear. I feel that way about seeing polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, or about seeing penguins in Antarctica.

I hope and believe you'll get lucky with the weather It's been gorgeous here the last week or so: sunny and warmish, folks on the beach (too cold for swimming but lots of walkers and surfers), which means it must be okay on the rest of the South Island as Dunedin tends to be colder. The autumn leaves are breathtaking and kowhai trees are already strarting to bloom. There was a great aurora a few days ago. As far as I'm concerned, this is the prettiest time of year. I'm sure you'll have wonderful time. Rain is predicted for the North Island.

crellston

That is scary! Thanks for sharing

Tdiddy12

MelInq8,
have a fantastic time!
Tdiddy

Melnq8

Thank you Tdiddy - we arrived yesterday, so far so good!