This is a thermal springs resort and we've stopped for a day/night to take the waters. We had a really relaxing and enjoyable 24 hours here. It is a Japanese run resort centred on natural hot springs that bubble away near the river. We spent a few hours in the outdoor natural pools (albeit spending some time swatting away pesky sand flies) and then the Japanese baths that were inside. The waters are supposed to be good for arthritis and E seemed to benefit. We'd ...

The drive up the west coast from Punakaiki was every bit as spectacular as much of the rest of South Island - rather unexpectedly really given the write up in the guide book.Shortly after leaving Punakaiki we came across Irimahuwhero - a lookout point giving marvellous views both up and down the coastline. We took a short detour before Westport to see the lovely Tauranga Bay, with its seal colony, and Cape Foulwind.Westport too deserves a better write up - it's a...

Another place we were sad to leave but our journey must go on.Today we were heading for one of the highlights of this area - Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki in Paparoa National Park, on the coast about 45 kms north of Greymouth.And what a stunning coastline it is - the drive north from Greymouth is spectacular.We hadn't booked accommodation at Punakaiki, hoping to pick up bargain, but arrived earlier in the day than planned.A quick look around possible option revealed...

Leaving our accommodation in Hokitika we were pleased that we'd managed to squeeze in all our belongings, including the two sets of golf clubs, into the boot.But they wouldn't be there long because we were heading for Lake Brunner B&B with Golf.It was another gorgeous day and Deb soon had us checked in to a spanking, modern and well equipped room overlooking the 9-hole course. We'd been attracted in part because the golf and club hire was included in our room...

After we'd checked into our comfortable cabin at the Hokitika Holiday Park, we drove to the golf course as the sky looked threatening.Thankfully there was also a good north- westerly wind that seemed to be keeping the rain clouds away. As anyone who plays Montrose Links, the Glen at North Berwick, or links courses up and down Scotland, the wind is often the thing you have to beat. Well, we didn't do too badly and the clubs performed well.Seriously though, it was ...