Hokitika

Today is mostly driving across the mountain range which we expect to slow going, before finally getting to the flatter valleys over the range and the coastal areas of the west coast. There are a number of small villages we pass through but end up deciding to have our morning tea in Murchison. There is quite a modern cafe on the highway, Beechwood Cafe, where we and most of the rest of the travelling public appear to have pulled in for a coffee and maybe a scone.

After our coffee we continue to wind our way up and down the mountainsides, soon seeing a sign that we are approaching Buller Gorge the site of New Zealand's longest swing bridge. Having become quite attracted to swing bridges on this trip we couldn't pass up the opportunity to see this one, maybe even a quick walk across. As we approached the carpark it seemed that we may be looking at a complete amusement park to which the swing bridge provided access. We wandered in to the entrance, said we would just like to see the bridge and were told the entrance fee was $12 each. As we we only planning a brief look, we soldiered on. 

A few hundred metres down the road, we could pull over and get a photo anyway.


Buller Gorge Swing Bridge



Apparently they run jet boats on this river

It was slow going through the mountains but we eventually ended up in Greymouth at a bit after 1 pm, just in time for lunch.


Greymouth Town Centre



It has been 48 years since we were last in Greymouth and whilst the place has grown, the feel of the place is about the same. Parking in the town centre was a bit sparse but we found one in a back street not far off the main street. Greymouth's historical development was built around coal, gold and timber.

We found a cafe/bar near the clocktower for lunch before moving on to Hokitika, a short 40 km South.

Hokitika has a more touristy feel about it and is renowned for NZ Jade (Nephrite). There are more touristy pursuits that are based from Hokitika with the Hokitika Gorge only 30 km inland. Once settled into our motel, we take a short walk into the town centre.

We walk past this open air laundry that operates 24/7

Once in the main street, we walk down to the coastline.

The beach is strewn with driftwood suggesting this coast gets a bit of wild weather. Some creative locals have made use of this to build this sign on the beachfront. A number of large rivers empty into the sea on this part of the coast and I assume the driftwood comes from upstream.

                    

The beach and more driftwood

Back in the main street, the dominant feature is the clocktower.

                    

Looking down the main street from the beach

The are many restaurants and a couple of largish hotels, one with conference facilities. we checked them all out looking for a venue for dinner. Eventually settling on this one, Stumpers.

There was a quick visit to the large New World Supermarket nearby to top up our breakfast supplies before we walked back to the motel. We walked past the local theatre which was a lovely old building in pristine condition.

And were reminded of the much maligned possum. Not sure why the word possum is in bold red letters.


Back at the motel we freshened up, had a cup of coffee and were soon heading back into town for dinner at Stumpers. It was quite a big venue and quite busy. The food was good pub food.

Tomorrow we travel to Haast. It is another longish drive, as are most drives here as maximum speed limits are 100 km/hr and very often 80 km/hr or below. We expect Haast will have limited facilities as it is not a major centre.


































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