Arthur's Pass

Cutting through the centre of the south island, Arthur's Pass is one of the few major arterials linking the East and West coasts.  The scenery in this area is different again to anything we had seen before and looked other worldly, like something out of Lord of the Rings or Narnia.


Arthur's Pass is interesting and must have been a massive undertaking all those years ago when it was constructed.  The hamlet itself is on the Christchurch side of the pass and is a welcome pit stop for lunch and refreshment.  You may have to fight off the Kea's (large parrot like birds), that wont take no for an answer when it comes to food or unattended tables.

Three glass penguins

Hokitika is a small town south of Greymouth which is on the way to the southern glaciers.  We weren't on the way to the glaciers, but rather on the hunt for some Kiwis.  We had read of a Kiwi centre in the town and hoped to catch a glimpse of this emblem of NZ.

Unluckily when we arrived it was too early to see the Kiwis and as we had to go on through Arthur's pass that day, we could not wait.  So we busied ourselves having some breakfast at Eats on Revell, a trendy little cafe that could serve a whole tour bus in 15 minutes.

Looking around town we found the Hokitika Glass Studio and nearby the Jade Factory.  Both places sold quality items including, jewellery, ornaments and figurines.  Watching the glass blowers at work was fascinating as they turned blobs of molten glass into intricate works of art.

Jo-Ann was taken by three glass penguins, some glass beaded earrings and their matching bracelet, all very reasonably priced.

Outback New Zealand style

The trip from Nelson to Greymouth on the West Coast was the longest of our adventure taking us through some very isolated country.  The road conditions were ever changing, the winding turns and rainy weather conditions kept our speed low and our alertness up.  


The reward was some stunning ocean road scenery which went on for many hours and never lost its appeal.  A little over half way along in our "wilderness adventure", we encountered "Pancake Rocks", which as the name suggests was a unique geological outcrop perched on the edge of this rugged coastline.


As it was raining, Jo-Ann immediately made for the information centre and sipped hot tea, while I donned a plastic poncho and headed for the cliffs.


When I got back a bit moist and bothered, we were six tea towels and a pair of socks heavier.