Tuesday 23rd
Kaikoura – Greymouth

A fine morning with no wind and cloudless sky when we left Kaikoura heading south. Neither of us had been on the inland Kaikoura road, Highway 70, that winds past Mt Lyford through Waiau eventually connecting up with Highway 7. The country side became very hilly and the road full of many turns and in places very windy with many tight turns down into and out of the ravines, but the landscape was peaceful and relaxing. When we got to H/W 7 and back onto the primary highway we followed a broad arc around and up to Hanmer Springs.

Sheep - Its hard to look at a green hill without seeing sheep

Hanmer River, 5 Kms from Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs

At Hanmer Springs we walked the town, had morning tea and bought some scrumptious sea food filled rolls and muffins. They were absolutely delicious! At the Northern end of town we hiked up a track to the top of Conical Hill which was rated a 30 minute climb, but it took us about 45 minutes. The track zigzagged up the side through an exotic pine forest and at the summit a good, but not spectacular 360 degree panaramic view. A 15 minute fast walk down again. We got into a conversation with another couple with two small kids about the name of the trees growing on the slopes. Were they Cedar? From Hanmer we set off westards across the island up and over the Lewis Pass, through Reefton and eventually arriving at Greymouth about 3:30.

Lunch beside the river in the Lake Sumner Forest Park

In the Lewis Pass National Reserve

A peaceful streams meanders through an ancient forest

Are there any Ents nearby?

Greymouth Beach. Stony, cold and raining.

The closer we got to Greymouth, the more the sky greyed over until it eventually started a cold, slow rain. Our motel was nicely situated right on the beach front and a tour party of oldies provided some speculation about how we would be seeing the Sth Island in 25 years time.

Stayed at the Top Ten Holiday Park Motel, $75 lockwood construction, rating: 3/10