New Zealand - Day 3 (Hokitika - Lake Kaniere - Fox Glacier)

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We woke up at 7am to have our breakfast (we had hotdog and bread), pack our things and left Mountain Jade Backpacker around 8.30am. We visited the Jade Factory situated just below Mountain Jade Backpacker, open daily from 8.30am to 5.30pm. Jade Factory work with some of the New Zealand's leading jade cravers to bring tradisional and contemporary jade jewellery such as necklaces, earrings and bracelets carved from Jade sourced from New Zealand and around the world.

Our next destination after the Jade Factory was the National Kiwi Centre situated in the heart of Hokitika. Entrance fees - $80 for 5 adults and 3 school aged student. Open daily from 9am to 5pm during summer and 9.30am to 4.30pm during winter. We took part in feeding the giant eels which were approximately 85 to 100 years old! (3 session of feeding the giant eels: 10am, 12pm and 3pm daily)

Besides that we get to see the Kiwi, New Zealand's national icon. Kiwi is a nocturnal bird and they were kept in the low level lighting area. Kiwi are very shy and will camourflage themselves so we need to spend time to look for them. Kiwi can't fly, so they can be seen walking around the ground. They are slightly bigger than a chicken. Kiwi have very poor eye sight but they can hear very well. Camera or any filming device is not permitted in the viewing area in order to protect the Kiwi's eyes.

Apart from Kiwi, we saw the Juvenile eel and an unique looking fish. We spent one and a half hours at the National Kiwi Centre before we proceed to our favourite place - New World to shop for chocolates, beef and lamb. Next, we went to the Hokitika Gorge which is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. The beautiful turquoise blue water was simply breathtaking. A great place to take photos.

We had our picnic lunch in Lake Kaniere. Beautiful lake and great place for picnics, fishing, short walks and water skiing. We sat on the wooden planks, facing the lake while enjoying our hotdog bread for lunch. It was very relaxing as we can feel the fresh cold air blowing at us. After our picnic lunch, we drove all the way to Fox Glacier and we stayed at Fox Glacier Lodge. We cooked grilled beef and lamb for our dinner. At night, the owner brought us for a glow worm walk.

 
Hokitika
 
 
Jade Factory
 
 
Jade - $6,800
 
 
Jade carving
 
 
The National Kiwi Centre
 
 
We were not allowed to take pictures of the kiwis with flash in order to protect the kiwi's eyes
 
 
Juvenile eels - these eels are approximately 15 to 20 years old

 
Feeding the giant eel
 
 
Unique looking fish
 
 
Nice background to take pictures
 
 
Our favourite place to shop for chocolates, lamb and beef
 
 
Hokitika Gorge
 
 
Picnic lunch in Lake Kaniere
 
 
Bread and hot dogs for lunch
 
 
Cute dog
 
 
Swings in Lake Kaniere


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