Lake Swimming

Lake Tekapo

Lakes dominate New Zealand’s South Island and during our campervan adventures they proved good places to take in the scenery and freshen up with a swim.

Lake Mapourika

Our first lake swim was at a secluded picnic area just outside Franz Josef. Parked up early for a relaxing evening before our Fox Glacier ice walk we pulled into the doc campsite at McDonald’s Creek. Just a two minute walk from the site was Ottos Corner with a beach leading to Lake Mapourika.

Lake Mapourika

The water was cold but wonderfully refreshing in the early evening sun. Even with a nearly-full campsite only one other person ventured to the swimming area – maybe because he had heard the shrieks as we plunged into the icy water.

Lake Tekapo

Swimming spot on Lake Tekapo

The bright turquoise blue of Lake Tekapo contrasting with the white peaks of the Southern Alps was so beautiful it was almost unreal. 

The scorching December sun glistened on the water twinkling like the incredible night sky (Tekapo is one of the best places in the world for star gazing.)

Walking past the tiny church and small alpine forest we came to a sandy beach – the perfect place for a swim. 

Being much shallower here the water wasn’t as bitterly cold as the other lakes, although it was still pretty chilly! Our feet sinking quickly into the soft sand it wasn’t quite deep enough for a proper swim but a fantastic place to cool down and chill out before another long drive.

View of Lake Wanaka from Mount Iron

Lake Wanaka

I think Wanaka is my favourite of the lakes we visited with the clear blue water surrounded by lush green fields, vineyards and snow-capped mountains. 

Hiking to the top of Mount Iron in the mid-day sunshine was hot but the lake views were well worth it.

Time to cool down with a swim… A group of teenagers were playing in the crystal water; diving off the floating platform, showing off and having lots of fun. It looked great so we ran into the lake, naively unprepared for how cold it would be. A very quick dip and back to sunbathing on the beach. 

Even though they were icy cold I loved having a dip in the lakes as we travelled through the South Island, and all for free.

Walking on ice

Fox Glacier

We woke to a beautifully clear blue sky and warm sunshine. Packing up the campervan quickly we hit the road for our ice walking tour with Fox Glacier Guiding.

Getting kitted out

Fox Glacier spans 13km in the West of the South Island of New Zealand. Booked onto the half day guided tour we approached with different levels of excitement and trepidation.

Time for a delicious, filling breakfast in the Hobnail café before we were fitted for our equipment.I was the only one in the group who had my own walking boots but there were all sizes available for everyone else to borrow. Socks, bags and waterproofs were also lent before we set out on the short drive to the glacier.

There was a sudden dip in the road as we moved over to the pacific plate – the shift was distinctly noticeable, like dipping down on a rollercoster.

Eager to get onto the ice we chose the ‘English Charm’ of guide, Joe, as the group split in to two to traverse the route separately. 

Following our guide on the ice

Trekking past the icy streams Joe explained that the milky appearance is created by the rocks rubbing together forming a grey dust in the fresh water.

The surrounding vegetation was beautiful with a big pool reflecting bright blues and greens and waterfalls trickling down into the steam beneath.

The looming cliffs towered above as us as we navigated our way to the glacier terminus. Now to secure our crampons and it was time to walk on the ice.

The guides spend around  four hours every morning cutting paths and steps into the ice. Until recently the tours only walked on the cut paths but now the route includes walking on the untouched ice which was surprisingly stable and easy enough to walk on. Having said that every guide still carries a pick axe to hack at any areas that needing re-paving to help all levels of trekkers.

Colourful pools

The sunshine beamed down on us making the ice glisten even more brightly blue and white than it seemed from the base.

Meandering through the paths and ridges we learned about the history of the glacier and how it had grown and shrunk and how it and the Franz Josef Glaciers move ten times faster than any other valley glaciers in the world.

Ooops I wasn't meant to step in there

We had the chance to get close to the crevices. Being a little too excited I didn’t hear Joe shout “don’t go all the way in” as I trudged down the steps and stepped straight into the icy water gathered at the bottom.  It was still beautiful though and wearing my trusty boots that took me all the way up Kilimanjaro I didn’t even get soggy feet!

When we booked the half day tour I wondered if just one hour on the ice would be enough, it turns out that we spent a little longer than that which was plenty of time and at $115 within our budget.

The previous day we’d done a free walk up to Franz Josef glacier, 35kms north of Fox. It was beautiful but nothing compared to actually walking on the ice and being so close to the magnificent beauty. I’d recommend anyone visiting this part of New Zealand to take a trip on Fox Glacier.