Too lazy to write a blog last night. Went for a magic walk in Okarito, just outside Franz Josef Town, before heading up to Punakaiki. Okarito has a windswept beach and huge lagoon and not much else. There is a beatiful walk along a track made in 1860 by a land surveyor to a beacon, with amazing views over the wetlands, lagoon, glaciers and Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, the 2 highest peaks of the Southern Alps. Amazing to see the snowcapped peaks surrounded by dense rainforest. We were lucky to have clear sunny skies and therefore an incredible view. There is and has been the worst drought in living memory in New Zealand, great for us in terms of very little rain on our trip, but the rivers are down to a trickle. Seeing the flood plains, one can see how strongly the rivers usually flow. On the way down, walking over the wetlands walkway we stopped and were entertained by lots of different bird calls, seemingly in stereo. What an experience, so clear and distinct !
Along the way we stopped in Hokitika, where the large Wild Food Festival and music festival was just being set up. Unfortunately we were pushed for time, as trying out all the interesting delicacies (kangeroo being one of them !) could have been fun.
The Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki were really interesting - the rocks have weathered in such a way, that it looks like pancakes stacked up. The tide was too low for the blowhole to work, but the power of the sea pushing through the rocks was quite evident. The Holiday Park was right at the beach and we went for a walk along the beach, although it was rather windy and cool. Interesting rocks and rock formations. After another scrumptious meal it was off to bed for me....rather early ...while Clint was busy re-editing photos that he thought he had lost (major panic !).
Today we left Punakaiki early, so that we could still enjoy the afternoon at Kaiteriteri at the Abel Tasman National Park in the north of the South Island. We have realised that we have run out of time - there is just so much to do and enjoy here. The drive up was again very scenic , theough the Buller Gorge and the Motueka River valley, which is more hops and veggie farming area. Bought a packet of apples from an un-manned/womanned farmstall ...you take your packet and put your money in the money box. What a great way to live. Some of the villages are really small and have that "middle of no-where" feeling.
Must just share some of the signs along the road :
Beware of the Wekas (no...not "workers" in New Zealand twang ...they are a type of bird)
Beware of the Slumps (dips in the road)
Don't count sheep while driving.
Do sport and stay out of court.

Then, one of the weirdest driving moment. Many of the bridges are single lane bridges, which is no problem, as you just check that there is no- one on the bridge and then drive. The roads are not too busy, so no problem. However, when there is a traintrack sharing the single lane bridge, one gets just slightly worried. Luckily there was a car ahead of us, that drove over the bridge, otherwise we would not have dared to cross. Iwonder what happens when the train arrives as you are crossing the bridge !

Also ....some interesting slogans :
Queenstown Skyline Gondola "Rise above it all"
Queenstown Luge "Once is not enough"
Arrowtown Bakery "You must always get a piece of the pie"

Kaiteriteri is beautiful. A beach town, where the surrounding scenery reminds us of Thailand, just a bit cooler, although the water is relatively warm We booked our day trip to the Abel Tasman National Park tomorrow - by boat, as that is the best way to see it.

Time is passing far too quickly....so much to do and so many magnificent sights to absorb. Loving every minute and feel so very blessed !