Whilst on our way to Franz Joseph we decided to stop off at Hokitika - so wished we had stayed here instead of Greymouth! Really quirky place with a wide stretch of beach absolutely littered with driftwood which the local artists have brought together to make some wonderful sculptures.

Travelled on and diverted to the 'Hokitika Gorge' - so gorgeous with fantastic views over the river Hokitika. Route took us over a really quite precarious swing bridge some 40 feet above the water which Sue decided to opt out of! ..Tom carried on and got some brilliant photos.

Moved onto nearby Lake Kaniere, (192m deep) - a truly beautiful lake with crystal clear blue waters surrounded by the equally awesome mountain range. Hardly anyone else around so just about had the lake to ourselves and just had to jump in - Invigorating is the word!