“Town of Light” and wallowing in hot thermal pools

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Sunday, 14th April - Day Eleven: Westport to Hanmer Springs, 220km (132 miles). Today as we cross the centre of the country, we see tiny birds flying in an out of the ferns along the roadsides. There are numerous creeks, many of them named, such as “Frying Pan Creek or “Cockney Creek”. The roads are narrow with many switchbacks up an down the mountains, occasionally going into one lane as we pass under Hawk’s Crag, a huge rocky overhang. There are valley settlements, mixed breeds of cattle grazing in the green, green grass and great lakes for trout fishing. In NZ, trout can’t be found in restaurants. It’s illegal to buy and sell and can only be caught if you or your friends like to fish.

We pass Reefton, the first place in New Zealand to have electricity and where we have another great breakfast at the “Electric Light Cafe” and then through an old gold mining area. Here we drive higher and higher to the summit of Lewis Pass (912 metres) about 3,009 feet, and into spectacular Alpine country, an area of magnificent scenery.

It’s a wonderful hot and sunny day and arriving early in the pretty little spa town of Hanmer Springs, we spend the rest of the afternoon wallowing in the lovely hot thermal pools. After a short break, 22 of us go out for an early dinner at a Brewery restaurant. Here we realize that the Entrees are appetizers and Mains are the entrees. None of the cafes or restaurants are cheap but hey, we’re on holiday.

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Photos

hotter in the tub
but hot for Mel and Ellen in the outer ring

on the outskirts of Hanmer Springs
how green is the grass

Hawk's Crag overhang
no oncoming traffic thank goodness

a warning for slumps
what are slumps?

the "town of light"
entering Reefton

Reefton
cute shops and a B & B

only 138 km more
first sign for Hanmer Springs

especially for Tobin
for our 5 year old grandson, Tobin

dairy cattle enjoying a meal
all colours lead to milk, cream, butter, and cheese

through a sun dappled forest
a different type of scene

heading down from Lewis Pass
magnificent view

beautiful landscapes
the same river looking back

in the Pacific Triangle area
"thermal pools - wineries - whalewatch - dolphins"

enjoying the thermal pools
Ellen and Tim in hot water!

fun in the sun
wonderful thermal pools at Hanmer Springs

Hanmer thermal pools
a private place to relax