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Published: January 20th 2008
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The Nelson Lakes
Clear blue water As we told you at the end of our last blog, our bus at the end of the Heaphy Track never showed up. Soo, without any other options, we went straight forth into hitch hiking towards our destination. Within minutes, we found Geoff and Coral. Two Kiwis with as much kindness and generosity in them than their craving for excitement and travel, (and believe me, they love to travel). Coral and Geoff told us that if we wanted to get to Nelson, (which is where we wanted to get to), than they would be heading there the following day; the only catch was they planned on touring across the south islands for as long as they could until the following night, where they planned to end in Nelson. Chris and I looked at one another and thought about whether we really wanted to drive around the South Islands sight-seeing with these two very kind and fascination people...without thought or discussion we both said 'yes'.
So, the first stop on our journey was Westport, about 100km from Kohaihai, the end of heaphy track. We hopped in the van and headed off. We stopped early on in Karamea and ate some delicious lunch.
After a week in the bush eating nothing but dehydrated meals and porridge, Chris and I were extatic to finally get a well cooked meal, not done by yours truly. As well, we shared a jug of beer which put the icing on the cake. As well, Geoff and Coral wanted to explore some of the caves in Kahurangi National Park, which are renowned for being massive and very interesting. After the caves we were back on the road, to Westport.
In Westport Chris and I were informed that Geoff has booked a jetboating tour for later that afternoon while Coral planned on heading to the Seal Colony just five minutes out of Westport. After comtemplating the hit the jet boating make put on our bank accounts, only I was signed up with Geoff. Meanwhile, Chris took off with Coral to the Westport Seal Colony. Both of us had a fantastic time and I especially enjoyed the jet boating. Geoff and I were the back passengers in a jet boat with 820 horse power motoring down and up the Buller River, the second largest in the world when in flood. Apparently the Buller can rise over 2m in one hour,
due to all the moutain streams pouring into it.
After our afternoon excursions we met back up at the 'Top 10 Holiday Site in Westport' where Chris and I camped and Geoff and Coral stayed in a motel. The next morning at 8am sharp, Chris and I were packed and sitting in Geoof and Coral's motel room drinking tea and eating some of their bran. We looked forward to the full day of exploration and sight-seeing, Nelson was about a 3 and a half hour drive...but because of all the detours we'd be taking, it turned out to be much, much longer.
First stop was Lyell Park, about an hour's drive out of Westport. There we took a long day walk through the forest and over Lyell River. Lyell park is famous for being one of the locations of a huge gold mining mill. The Lyell River used to be filled with Gold that was brought down the mountain streams and into the current of the river. You can still see all of the excavation spots and the history behind the gold mine is quite mind-blowing.
After the walk we were off to the Buller Gorge Swing Bridge, the largest
The motor of the jet boat
Buller Adventure Tours, 820hp in the Southern Hemisphere. The day was bright and sunny and even though Chris and I had gained some experience with Swing Bridges from our tramp, this one still amazed us with it's immensity. Only fifteen people were allowed on at a time and the bridge hung over a deep drop into the Buller River. Of course, Chris and I had the immediate urge to jump off and into the water, but apparently jet boaters who were spinning under us wouldn't have been too pleased with that. But anyhow, I ended up taking a tandem swing with Geoff to cross back over the bridge and it was a pretty good rush. Chris stood on the bridge taking pictures.
Our last stop before Nelson were the Nelson Lakes regional park. There Chris and I split from Geoff and Coral to take a short walk along the coast line. The view was fantastic, we could see the mountain tops so clearly overhanging the clear, crystal smooth glacier water. Luckily, the day was hot and although the water was chilly, Chris and I still went in for a dip just off the jetty. After our swim, we saw Geoff and Coral sitting along
the beach where we all decided we should start to head to Nelson if we didn't want to get there too late. Nelson was about an hour's drive away and it was nearing dinner time.
Coral and Geoff drove us right to our hostel's doorstep, where we parted waves and exchanged contact information. We waved them off with pure sincerity, knowing that we had met truly nice people. We want to extend our gratitude once again to Coral and Geoff who went out of their way to help two Canadians in need a lift. We will never forget them, and i hope they are off doing exactly what they want to be doing.
Take Care Geoff and Coral, and thank you.
Chris and Evan.
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Coral & Geoff Bennett
non-member comment
What a very informative page on your experience with us. You must have been listening to all geoff's comments, I think he secretly wanted to be a tour guide. It was our pleasure to help Evan and Chris, what well adjusted and well mannered lads. We truly enjoyed their company and their parents can be rest assured that they have allowed two very capable young men to travel the world. What an amazing oppportunity for them both and we wish them all the luck in the world and look forward to keeping up with their travels.