To the glacier land

 10 January 2024

We left Westport early and thought we'd have breakfast long the way.  Easy driving with spectacular views as we set off down the West Coast.

 Lots of little one lane bridges and the most gorgeous forest right down to the roads edge. 

The coastline drive is spectacular with the beach on one side and fantastic limestone cliffs on the other and in-between this strip of lush Nikau forest.  Beautiful.

                                                        

                                                                    

Stopping at the Punkaiki pancake rocks was compulsory and it was the perfect day to clamber around the neat little walking track amongst the rock formations. The sea was 'as flat as a pancake' to match the setting.   

The Kereru were feasting on the tree top fruits and not at all shy of visitors to their territory.

We said farewell to the stunning Nikau forest. Onwards to Hokitika - famous for its greenstone, whitebait and mining history.  Our breakfast spot on the coast was Greymouth and we stocked up on petrol and supermarket supplies before we made our way to Hokitika. 

We saw a small pod of Hectors dolphins just cruising along the coastline behind the driftwood Hokitika sign.  What a stunning place to take a rest break.   We found the fabulous old Catholic cathedral however  due to earthquake strengthening requirements  it's closed to all visitors. The stone work and masonry are superb, I hope they manage to save the building somehow.                           

On to Ross, once the richest alluvial goldfield in the south island. It's a quaint wee stopover spot now with the locals making the most of the gold field revival interest.  

Onwards towards Haast with a short stop at Okarito lagoon - New Zealands largest unmodified wetland and home to the white heron. The entire area covers about 12k of wetland and as we arrived the cloud cover and mist rolled in so not much bird watching to be had.  Still a very picturesque spot to stretch our legs.

The weather changed as we went further towards the glacier county of Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers.  The wide braided river beds were stunning silver colour against the icy blue melt waters.