April 27 - Greymouth

 Although this would be a short driving day from Ross to Greymouth, - less than 80km, we decided to make a little detour after some beach time in Hokitika.  We headed East on a road that was part of the cycling route - Tour Aotearoa - but I didn’t take it as it was an out and return and it was pouring rain that day.  So we headed out, went to see the Hokitika Gorge….a beautiful 3km walk, then to the Cowboy Ranch - beautiful farm land and we saw one spectacular waterfall.  Dorothy Falls.  There were also several walking paths and a beautiful lake.  We got lost just wandering around and it seems almost every turn there was something to see!  Great way to spend the afternoon. 

Eventually we headed to Greymouth….the beach in Hokitika was a fine sandy beach….black closer to the road, and light closer to the surf.  The beaches near Greymouth are rocky….no sand.  Just a few more days left before our adventure is over….we are having so much fun.  

Dorothy Falls

Sunset on the beach at Greymouth

Hokitika Gorge - the water really is that shade of blue

Hokitika Gorge

Hokitika Beach

April 26 - Ross

 Today is Ted’s birthday!!!  I picked up a huge piece of red velvet cake for us to enjoy later on.  This morning we had coffee in the animal sanctuary in Franz Josef - we saw a rare type of Kiwi birds, blue penguins that have been rescued because they are missing a limb, and the tuataras- reptiles.  All three only live in New Zealand.  We were there for the feeding of the penguins and the associated talk.  Interesting.  

Then it was a short drive to the town of Ross and the historic Empire hotel.  When I was cycling through a month ago, it was raining when I passed through, and didn’t realize the gem that I passed up by going to the next town of Harihari.  So we stopped in to check it out today, and we will be staying here tonight!!!  There’s a huge open fireplace in the centre of the bar, we have a huge modern room, and there’s a roast buffet tonight.  I think Ted is happy for his birthday.  We also ate the cake while sitting on the beach!!!  😃😃😃

Feeding the penguins 

April 25 - Franz Josef Glacier

 It was a short drive from Haast to Franz Josef, so we took the opportunity to stop at every pullout that had a view.  Roads continue to be narrow and windy, so this also gave me a chance to allow the cars behind me to pass.  I have a hard time going the speed limit, and I’m often 10-20 km/hr below the speed limit.  

We made a stop at Knight’s Point….the same spot where Katherine saw me a month ago!  Hard to believe that it’s been that long!!!  The trees are turning colours, some have dropped their leaves, and it has cooled off.  

I went for a short hike to get a better look at the glacier.  I walked about 6km return, but didn’t get anywhere near the glacier.  It’s currently about 19km from the coast, and scientists believe that it used to extend into the sea.  

Knight’s point

Bruce Bay

Breakfast…red Kiwi which is sweeter than a green or golden kiwi and Fajola which taste like a mix of pineapple and guava but gritty like a pear.  

April 24 - Haast

 Today was all about water and views!!!  It started with Lake Wanaka and the tree that grows in the lake….then several other lakes.  Every time we went around a curve the view changed.  We stopped as often as we could to take pictures.  Clear lakes that look like glass, with snow capped mountains towering over them and lined with trees that are changing colours.  Spectacular.  After we left the lakes behind, then there were the waterfalls.  We are on the west coast, but inland a bit.  Tomorrow we will have views of the Tasman Sea.  

Interesting tree

Roaring Billy Falls

River flowing beside Haast Pass

Thunder Creek waterfall

Fantail waterfall on Haast Pass

Lake Hawea

Trees lining the driveway into a vineyard

The tree that’s growing in Lake Wanaka

Lake Wanaka

April 23 - Wanaka - near Queenstown

 We had another fabulous day!!!  The weather is warming up as well where we are which is great.  A few days ago Wellington- the southern tip of the North Island was flooding, with some homes and vehicles destroyed.  Always hate to see the destructive force of Mother Nature.  

Lucky for us the weather has been great since we returned the motorcycles 😂😂😂.   This morning after a leisurely breakfast and flat white coffee, we back tracked about 60km before heading north to Queenstown.  There is only one road in and out of Te Anau.  

We had gorgeous views again today…the snow capped mountains, with the grasslands, and farming land….throw in a few hills and a few spectacular lakes….and you have paradise!!!  Unfortunately we couldn’t stop to take photos as often as I would have liked….every km or so would have been nice!!!!  The roads are narrow, no shoulders and twisty….and cars behind me going so fast that I pull over to let them pass.  

We stopped in the touristy town of Arrowtown, wandering around into all the shops.  They have many sweaters made with possum Marino….light and apparently very warm.  Being a touristy town they have many lovely shops with lovely prices to match!  Lots of window shopping for me 😃

We are now in the town of Wanaka, not far north of Queenstown….another touristy town.  As we were driving in, coming down a hill we had the most spectacular view….the snow capped mountains, with the lake in front….glassy smooth, with the multicoloured trees - red, yellow and green on the hillsides.  Just spectacular.  

We will soon be heading to the west coast and the Tasman Sea.  Stay tuned!!! 

The steep twisty road we drive up…this was the road from the cycling that I was supposed to be on.  Glad I took a pass on it!!!!

Granny squares covering the posts….interesting!!!

They are selling Canada Goose down jackets here!!!!

The lake below Queenstown.  Looking behind

The same spot as above but looking ahead

Ted sporting his new kangaroo hat!!!

April 22 - Milford Sound

 What an amazing day we had!  After breakfast we drove the 117km to Milford Sound.  The drive takes about 2 hours…twisty narrow road without shoulders, but gorgeous views.  There is only about be way in and out of Milford Sound.  

Once there we boarded a boat for a cruise around the sound.  We saw furry seals and waterfalls while learning about the sound.  A full day 😃