Spent today driving from Christchurch to Hokitika on the west coast via Arthur's pass. The drive to Arthur's pass is stunning i stopped every 10 mins i think to take pictures. The drive is beautiful and i loved the twisting windy roads up and down the mountain, it requires full concentration or off the edge you go. Arthur's Pass is a quaint little village, lots of people around, different accents flying everywhere. I had planned to stay in Arthur's pass but ended up just spending the day there and then i drove to Hokitika, Arthur's pass was booked out, i should have booked ahead....oops. Hokitika is a small town right on the coast, i found a room over looking the Tasman Sea. It was still raining so after giving up trying to get this computer to work i went next door to the pub and had a lovely counter meal of fish and salad, chatted to a German couple from Hamburg, hilarious they were...made me homesick for Ms Guempel. I wore my parka nearly all day, it was that cold.
The mountain in the background was my destination, this was taken not far out of Christchurch.
My partner on this trip, Mazda Familia. Its days are numbered i think, it does not like the hills and people on push bikes overtake me.
New Zealands version of Stonehenge.
The day started sunny and ended like this, rained constantly but you ignore it and go walking otherwise you wouldnt step outside the door.
This fellow flew down and landed at my feet as i was putting the boots on to go hiking or tramping as they call it here. I think his name is Kea.
The guide books failed to mention the 500 stairs i would have to walk up to reach the Punchbowl waterfall. The sign said one hour return trip....yeah if your Cathy Freeman or whoever is the fastest runner these days. My legs were screaming and on the way back down the pain got worse, severe jelly legs.
This was the gift at the end of hells jungle track, it was pretty but.....it was worth it, i need more practice.
The jungle scenery between staircases was beautiful, all damp and mossy.
This is the pond aka the Tasman Sea, way over there is Australia. the sand was black.
2 comments:
oh i remember this place, the las time either of the children needed a return pit stop, i was so cranky climbing the steps that i hardly noticed them, going back down was different. uncle toms place is a quick walk from the waterfall walk entrance, cool place though, kept expecting forest gnomes
watch out for the lady in your car, she can be mean!
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