Blogs from Greymouth, South Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 6

Before giving an update of our travels on the South Island, I want to share some information on traveling in NZ in general. As I'm sure you already know, it is a rugged and sparsely populated country. Our plan was to spend most of our time on the South Island (least populated), but that plan has changed somwhat. Because of the topography and population roads are limited. On the South Island there is a main road running down each side of the island and a few roads connecting the east and west sides in key places. If you change your travel plan, you may need to backtrack – there is no alternative route. Almost all roads are 2 lane. Heading into Christchurch with a population of 373,000 it only becomes divided highway (still 2 lane) about ... read more

hi all,Heard about all the snow disruption at home,we have had some of the heavy rain storms that have hit Australia,but at least it is warm.After we left Milford sound we journeyed to Queenstown,what a fantastic place.We went up the gondola to see some fantastic views looking down on the city and surrounding areas.The following evening we went on the TSS Earnslaw a 1912 steamboat over to Walterpeak sheep farm.The farmer managed to make a sheep shearing demo extremely funny and entertaining.We had a wonderful 4 course meal on the farm.We then headed out to Haast which is in a world heritage conservation area,also on the main earthquake fault line.This is our least favorite place at present.Today we travelled via franz josef glacier toGreymouth, we had a scenic flight booked over the glacier but yet again ... read more

Wednesday 17th November: On the road again, this time heading for Westport. A local we met in Reefton suggested if we had enough time to head for Westport. Not for the town but for the drive. We took her advise and headed out from Slab Hut Creek conservation national reserve and headed north west on highway 69 and 6. It was a bit of a divert, by about two hours, but it was worth it. We drove a long narrow mountain roads cut through the rock. One pass was only possible for one way vehicles with just a barrier from a sheer drop and sharp bends. I began to think this local in Reefton wasn't too keen on tourists! We followed the Buller river above the Buller gorge. Very scarry but orsome..... We were now in ... read more

Friday we set off down the west coast for a tiny place called Barrytown (also known affectionately as Baz Vagas!) stopping a few times on route to enjoy some sights. The first such stop was at Cape Foulwind to see the New Zealand Fur Seal colony. Unfortunately they were too far way for my camera to capture but there were several Weka next to the path including one with a chick next to the seal viewing platform. The other stop was at the Pancake Rocks - aptly named due to their odd layer formations. Here we admired the rocks & a blowhole which was just shooting spray as the tide was too low &/or the wind was the wind direction. Good views along the coast too. We stayed at the pub in town which is run ... read more

Today we left Hanmer Springs, our aim was to get to Karamea but it rained nearly all the way and because the water level was touching the bottom of the bridge that leads into Karamea and rising we chose to go South to Punakaiki. There we saw a kiwi bird and the pancake rocks and it was so amazing, the only bad part: we can't eat them (the pancakes). We saw a natural blowhole and a natural carving of different animals. We decided to go to Greymouth since it will be easier to go to the train station and go to Christchurch on the train on Saturday. P.S. my turn to sleep on the bed above the drivers seat tonight. Bailey... read more