Swinging Bridge over turquoise waters of the Hokitika River

Over Greymouth, continuing along the West Coast, we eventually reach Hokitika. Here, we want to take a look at the bay, where the river flowing through, the Hokitika River, is said to be turquoise blue.

A short walk to the suspension bridge, which is a swinging bridge, shows us that the river is indeed extremely turquoise. However, to fully experience the beauty of the area, the river, and the surroundings, I must cross a swinging bridge. This bridge has been in operation since 2020 and is designed for a maximum of 20 people at a time… but who counts when the 20-person limit is reached? Who regulates the crowd? Is the bridge safe even when more than 20 people are on it? Sometimes I wish for more control from the New Zealanders… They can enforce and supervise strict waste separation, but otherwise…???!!!

We both make it, yes I was there too, and we cross the wobbly structure and I arrive on the other side without a sweat of fear. Yes, I am even brave enough to take pictures on the bridge!!! :-)

We walk along the river and come to the end of the actual loop trail, which is located at a rock. The loop cannot be completed because another bridge needs to be renewed, and therefore the last part of the loop trail is closed... We feel like we are in the midst of renovations in New Zealand. How many times repairs have already held us up... countless.

Here at the rock, there are many young people again, predominantly - who would have thought otherwise - looking Asian. It must be an Insta-hotspot. They lounge around, make duck faces, pose their feet in an Instagrammable way, and take pictures until the battery runs out... Crazy Insta-people, really!

We enjoy what we see (no, not the Insta-followers) and walk back safely over the swinging bridge again...

Today, our sightseeing comes to an end. We make our way to our accommodation. Right behind the Franz Josef Glacier, meaning the town of the same name, we drive past and stop at Fox Glacier. That's the name of the place located at the Fox Glacier.

We are here - it feels like - the only overnight guests. The accommodation 'Lake Matheson' is perfect. Generous and clean...