South Island New Zealand - leaving the West Coast

Tuesday, February 9

Before we can start to drive East, we head a little farther North, to a town called Greymouth.

It just happens to be a bit grey, even a little drizzly.

I find a parking spot near the post office and decide to send my large parcel of obsolete clothing off from here.

From here, we start heading East towards Christchurch via Arthur's Pass.

It is a very picturesque drive and the weather does eventually brighten up. I’m thoroughly enjoying the scenic drive, the winding roads complete with roadworks. 

At Arthur’s Pass, we stop for lunch. They have signs everywhere about not feeding the Keas. 

Since there is nothing better to be had, I get a sandwich in a triangular plastic container. We go outside to sit at a table with another sign telling us to protect our food because of the Keas. 
I’m just saying I wish a Kea would show its face so I could take a photo, when one lands on the table in front of me, centimeters from my face, nearly as big as a chook, only with a scarier beak.

When I react with a fright, it simply turns its back on me and tries to have a go at Nannette’s pie. She chases him off, but he only hops to the next table, then to the bench and from there back to me, making a grab for my sandwich box.

 I grab the box with my right hand, but the bugger won’t let go and the lid opens. I quickly put the left hand over the sandwich and end up having the funniest tug-o-war with a bloomin' bird. After he finally gives up, we move inside to eat.

We continue on through all that lovely landscape for a long time. It is not until quite late that I begin to wonder how much farther it would be to Hanmer Springs. When I consult the map, I notice we’d been going the wrong road and would end up below Christchurch.

We have to stop somewhere and get directions. Of course that has made a much longer drive, but I still wouldn’t have missed the scenic route and the funny episode with the kea.

Heading into Hanmer Springs is very beautiful. The place is absolutely surrounded with mountains. 

I had made a reservation for two nights at the Hot Springs Motor Lodge the previous day, so we’re all set. The place is lovely and there is a pub restaurant attached. 



Wednesday, February 10

Today is pamper day, with the main event being the trip to the hot pools. 

There are several pools, all a little different and we spend a lot of time going from one to the other, gradually moving our way up in temperature. 

The last one contains so much sulfur one can smell it from afar, but once one is in it, it’s no longer noticeable – except later on the skin.

Even a lazy pamper day comes to an end eventually. After a leisurely G$T moment outside our room, we wander over to the 5 Stags Pub for our evening meal before collapsing into our comfy beds.

Tomorrow, we shall continue our journey East.