Saturday 9th February 2019 - on to Hokitika

Well, it had to happen sooner or later - we woke as the sky began to lighten, to rain! Plus the sight of the mist rising through the trees. We rinsed our faces in the cool water of the river and having had breakfast we set off about 8. In case anyone is wondering, yes there was a loo here, suitably sited in the trees, with a door, a long drop it’s called. You don’t need much imagination 😂😂😂

Rain through the night meant the river was running a bit higher but all 8 crossings were negotiated without incident. The footpaths and rocks were slippery and there was little chatter as we concentrated on where to put our feet.

By the time we got back to the minibus some 3 hours ish later, the rain had stopped and the sun was beginning to break through. I was relieved to have made it. Did I enjoy it? At the time, no! Very stressful! But the sense of achievement and the buzz that comes from doing something that takes you out of your comfort zone is huge! I also managed to spot a bellbird on the walk. Another bird endemic to New Zealand.

So once again it was off with the walking boots, tipping out the water and then pulling off the soggy socks. The reward was a 5 minute drive down the road to Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. Limestone rock formations on the coast, but mudstone layers in amongst the limestone, which have eroded more quickly making it look like stacks of pancakes. With the vegetation, and by the time we arrived, blue sky, it was colourful and quite spectacular. There are stacks and arches, plus a huge blowhole.

15 minutes further on we stopped down a dirt track that led to the beach. Out came the side of the trailer with all the shelves of food and equipment behind it. Everyone is expected to pitch in and help with some aspect of sorting the lunch and yet again a tasty picnic is put together. Simple food but very good!

This picture was not taken on the beach, as those sharp eyed among you will notice, but it does show you the trailer, if you are interested!!!

Afterwards we had time to walk on an almost deserted beach that stretched for miles, to hunt for Greenstone. It is found in a local river, but if you find it there you are supposed to hand it in. If it washes onto the beach however, you can keep it. We were all unsuccessful but had a very happy half hour searching.

Then onto Hokitika, a town on the west coast, and luxury. A hotel! A bed, shower, decent loo, kettle and tea bags. Bliss! I have never seen Geoff get into a shower so quickly, even though the wet and dirty washing was already on the floor in the corner having a much needed pre-wash. One of the advantages of this kind of trekking is you don’t really change your clothes much, or at least we don’t! If you do, you have to carry them, and where would you get changed? Everyone is in the same boat so it doesn’t matter. It might sound disgusting but a bit of dirt doesn’t hurt.

However, some of the washing was filthy, but it was soon washed and hung up on the trusty travel washing line to dry.

We had an hour and a half to have a wander around the town, then to the shed to sort our bikes for tomorrow and to get instructions. Another fun day ahead!

We were free to do our own thing for dinner, so shared a table with Frank and Lawrence at the restaurant attached to the hotel. Following this we walked to the beach to watch the sunset before heading back to our hotel room to clear up the mess and repack our bags ready for tomorrow.

PS. If any of you have seen today’s walking route on Strava, no we didn’t get lost, nor had we been drinking! We think the GPS struggled with us being in a gorge!