Time to say Goodbye to the West Coast I never expected to feel regret when time came for us to say goodbye to the West Coast. But I could have stayed much longer. There is just so much to see and do. As we settle in Central Otago for a couple of nights we’re so thankful for the weather we experienced over the last couple of weeks. It is wet and even cold in Alexandra – a town normally with … Continue reading
Hokitika To Haast On the drive from Hokitika to Haast I was struck by the number of lakes one can visit. We stopped at some but missed a few out. Being city folk nowadays we feel the need to keep the car pretty much topped up with petrol. You can never be sure where the next petrol station might be. So while the car was getting a drink, I slipped across the road at Whataroa to take a picture of … Continue reading
Our stop in Hokitika This weekend is Westland’s Anniversary Weekend. We did not realise this until I spied an “anniversary sale” sign. Not that it matters too much as most of the shops appear to be open anyway. We’ve wandered around and checked out some of the Jade and possum/merino clothing shops. A nice long walk along the black sandy beach left me with even more stones to carry home. I’m soon going to have to have a sort out … Continue reading
Our Stop At Shanty Town Prior to reaching Hokitika we’d already decided to make a stop at Shanty Town. The stop was a bit of a “I guess we should have a look” attitude for me. My expectation was not high. How wrong could I have been. Shanty Town is a must visit. As a “living” historic venue I believe it puts the likes of Motat in Auckland to shame. The many buildings with all their associated paraphernalia, eg, the … Continue reading
Resting At Lake Brunner As expected, Lake Brunner was a much needed rack out day. We loved the accommodation and felt comfortable just hanging out, playing cards and reading. In fact I was very happy sitting out in the sun reading when I had to give up and go inside our unit. There were a couple of “friendly” wekas who apparently ruled the area. I use the term “friendly” definitely tongue in cheek as we had witnessed their regard for … Continue reading
Now We’re Heading To Lake Brunner I’m not sure what day of the week it is, but now we’re heading to Lake Brunner for a couple of nights. We’re expecting a less hectic time than Westport and I have to admit, I’m looking forward to the chance of doing some reading. Because the high tide is not until 4.28pm we are in no hurry as we want to time our arrival at Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks – a little … Continue reading
Last Day in Westport We wondered what we might do during our last day in Westport, but the day disappeared very satisfactorily. Our visit to the museum – aptly called the Coaltown Museum – helped many of Jet’s stories fall into place. Watching the videos and seeing the exhibited paraphernalia made sense of much he had shared with us yesterday. As its name suggests, the museum is purely focused on the history of coal mining in the area and is … Continue reading