South Island,New Zealand, Day 9

19 October 2011.

Its all rainny and gloomy leaving Hanmmer Spring. Heading towards Kaikoura. Again we left some foods in our previous night's lodging.

Passed through wineyards.. one is open so, drove in for some wine testing..The Marble Point Winery. Spend NZD66 on one bottle of desert wine and many many bottles of local Manuka honey.

It its even raining when we reached Kaikoura a couple of hours away.

This next shot shows how gloomy it is. I was told that on a good day, the mountain range can be seen beautifully guarding the city.

She has been bugging me to bring her to a sheep shearing show. She was saying how her friend says the trip wont be complete if we did not see one. Not that I think its anything interesting.

Found one here in Kairoura, the timing is perfect, and being an indoor event, at least would be a great way to spend an hour or two.

But at last, she is really teriffied of big dogs. And where there's sheep, there will be sheep dog. Brought tears into her eyes and mine seeing her like this, so has to walk away from the show. 

Visited the seal colony near town. Unlike the earlier visit near Westport, here you can literally walk up to them. Warning signs posted everwhere though, reminding that the seals are wild animals and they can inflict injuries.

Was guessing that this guy is either showing off or wishing for the cold balmy weather to continue..

And one local came up close and personal  to greet up. 

In the heavy rain going back to town, gave a Spanish family a ride. Almost drove off with their backpacks in my car's trunk.

Our first NZ fish & chips.. sold by a Hokkien speaking 'Malaysian' chinese to a Hokkien speaking Malaysian chinese.

Deep fried batter coated mussels & chips

Both area big portions but if you are not able to finish it when their hot, will go to waste since they will become soggy and chewy.

Some shopping and a trip to the New World supermarket. Loved these brownish pears, as opposed to the green one sold here in Malaysia.

Dinner for the night - told you she started craving pizzas.... but with an egg on one... strange IMHO..

To the Strawbery Tree to check up the local pub scene. A glass of Guinness. And for me, I asked the bartender, what whould a local drink .. her recommended a local brew by the outlet.. the Sheep Shagger.. not as 'gassy' or bitter.

Accomodation for the night and tomorrow.. the Lazy Shag Backpackers, mostly younger set of backpackers, so the kitchen utensils are in terrible shape.

South Island, New Zealand, Day 8

18 OCtober 2011 (Tuesday)

The fireplace at Basil's.

No real plan for today, Should I bypass Hanmer Spring and drive up North to Blenheim, or drive south .. far south again towards Arthurs Pass

Anyway, exploring Westport first.

A official building in Westport. Looks like a landmark here.

The main street of Westport

After spending some money, make a detour to Tauranga Bay Seal Colony.

Taking Route 6 South, then route 69, we reach Reefton.

Miner's hut for show.

Passing Lewis Pass.

Reached Hanmer Spring. Famous for its hot spring and a weekend getaway for people from Christchurch.

Taking a dip in the many hot pools. Cost NZD18 perperson. No time limit.

Wonderful doing it in the cold weather and some light rain.

Our dinner for that night. The place where she started to love and crave for pizzas.

Accomodation for the night. Kakapo lodge. A more family-oriented accomodation.

South Island, New Zealand, Day 7

17 October 2012 (Monday)

Wake up to a beautiful Franz Josef. Blue sky and crisp air.

Realised missed the Rugby World Cup Semifinals between the Australia and New Zealand. Watching the game in a pub here in New Zealand would be a wonderful experience, especially since the AB won the game and would go to the finals.

Leaving Franz Josef, drove North .

Short stop at Pukekura and the only thing there, the Bushmen visitors's center. Short break there. Tempted to taste Possum pie but decided against it.

Passed Ross, one of the few small 'kampung' along the way

Wont mind living in such places at all... that is until boredoms sets in.

Then we reached Hokitika.

Took our time strolling around. Hokitika or Hoki is the so called art center in the region. Pounamu, the Maori name for NZ Jade or Greenstone carvings and retailng is a big industry here. She made puchases (again) albeit the more cheaper rocks.

Also managed to sample the local seasonal delicacy, the Whitebait. Small fishes cooked in eggs fritters - ie omellete style, served with salad and fries. Tasted nice, something chewy and salty goes well with those bland eggs.

As we are leaving, the sky opened up and it starts to rains cats and dogs. Would have to drive even slower in these winding coastal hugging roads, and I am already a slow driver.

After Hokitika, we continue North to another attraction that was said not to be missed here on the West Coast of South Island, the Punaikaki Pancake Rocks and Blowhole.

Reached there and the rain has died down. But again we reached there rather late, with the Park Office and cafe's closing. But the park is still open for another hour and we had it all to ourselves, something I always prefer since I can takes pictures with no human beings in it.

Wonderful rock formations.The pancakes rocks. Did not saw any blowholes though even with the wind blowing strong.

Just add maple syrup and we are good to go.

Continued North to Westport via the Coastal Scenic Route, with a short stop at Grey mouth for groceries. True to the reputation of this place, the weather is really unpredictable and it rained, stopped, rained again and stopped again ....

Still, we did many stops since somebody likes the pebbels on the beach so much that she packs almost 2-3 kilos of pebbels home. Always wondered are theses pebbels originally from the beaches here or they were put here to prevent erosion. I would have though beaches on ocean facing beaches to have smaller grains of sands and rocks with the big waves pounding daily.

Somewhere along the West Coast. Thats the Tasman Seas in front.

Finally reached Westport, and the rain continues.

Spend the night at Bazil's. The twin bed's room upfront is amazing.