Holiday Celebrations for YHA Franz Josef at Okarito
YHA Franz Josef managers Pam and Jeffrey brought their lucky staff to Okarito for their Holiday Party this week. We added a few Christmas touches to the boat,
yes, that’s Swade in a Santa hat….
YHA Franz Josef staff on board
The evening was beautiful and sunny and as we headed up the Lagoon with the incoming tide we saw white herons, royal spoonbills, godwits and oyster catchers feeding.Once up in the rainforest we saw a white heron landing at the very top of a tree and we decided it was the perfect ornament with outstretched wings!We stopped riverside and watched plenty of native wood pigeons in the trees and swooping overhead, as well as Tui’s and then broke open the bubbly and nibbles. Heading back with the setting sun, the clouds over the mountains cleared completely and Mount Cook and Tasman and Franz Josef Glacier all visible in the evening light – beautiful! The YHA staff were a delight to have on board – a great mix of young people from New Zealand and all over the world -to all of you, we hope you enjoyed your trip on the Okarito Lagoon and had a wonderful party at the hostel that night! Happy Holidays to all from Paula & Swade at Okarito Boat Tours!Happy Holiday from Paula & Swade at Okarito Boat Tours
Happy Holiday from Paula & Swade at Okarito Boat Tours
January 10th, 2009 at 4:45 am
I don’t know why, but I thought there would be snow! I guess it’s because of the glacier nearby. Do you EVER get snow in New Zealand.
Happy New Year!
January 11th, 2009 at 12:34 am
Hi MJ,
Nearby glacier yes, but don’t forget we are into summer here and thank goodness there’s no snow! But good question, as although parts of New Zealand get a fair amount of snow in the winter months, June – September, the West Coast is a very moderate and temperate climate and only very rarely receives snow, perhaps once every 5 years or so. Heavy rainfall in the spring and summer at the top of the glaciers and snowfall high in the mountains during winter are what contribute to the glaciers advance, right into the rainforest. Just a few kilometers away here in Okarito, which is situated on a sandspit on the Tasman Sea, we receive nearly 30% less rainfall than Franz Josef Glacier. So, you can be at the face of the glacier, surrounded by rainforest, and minutes later be sunning yourself at the beach! It’s quite remarkable! Happy New Year to you too!