Got up early to take some pictures of the sea. They was still laying the breakfast table anyway. Looked like they’d been busy. We packed Mable for Ron as it was the last day and set off back to the pancake rocks to see if we could get some better pictures. And we did, was pretty impressive as the waves surged under the rocks the pressure forced the water up through the blow holes. The Pancake Rocks that Punakaiki is famous for, are limestone formations that began forming 30 million years ago, when lime-rich fragments of dead marine creatures were deposited on the seabed, then overlaid by weaker layers of soft mud and clay. They look amazing.

Enough of water spouts, we head off for coffee in Greymouth then follow the mountains through to Arthurs Pass for lunch.The small alpine village is nestled amongst the Southern Alps. One of the worlds most famous train trips passes through here, the tranzalpine express from Christchurch to Greymouth which passes through the Otira tunnel completed in 1923. The scenery is stunning. The landslide protection is obvious from the low huts to the stone filled cages.

More of those dratted parrots to. We have seen them in various spots around south island and travelers beware. They will destroy or steal anything they can get there claws on. I watched them destroy a car Ariel whist jumping around on the roof and they run off with shoes and clothes or anything colorful left lying around. The Kea are well known for there intelligence and curiosity and I loved the sign that said “If the kea steal anything  it is not there fault but yours”.

From here down the Mountains and back to the Canterbury Plains and the low hills covered in sheep. Saying Goodbye to this country will not be easy. Into Christchurch we roll dropping off Nigel & Pat, Alison, Marge, Mike & Janet at there respective Hotels before we pull into the Chateau on the park unload and say goodbye to Ron & Mable. An upbeat Dinner and bed. Two days to explore before jetting off to Australia, but I feel sad to be leaving.

We say Goodbye to all those left. Roger & Jenny, Carole & martin, Craig, Chris, Tom & Robin.

Poroporoaki……But I promise I will return one day.

Two days to go. has it really been that long. I could go on for ever. I think Rons quite pleased its coming to an end so he can finally move house  🙂  Leaving Franz Josef we head out along the coast up to Hokitika, calling at the gold town of Ross on the way. Ross was established in the 1860s, during the west coast gold rush, where it became an important center for miners. After a quick coffee and a run round the jail house we set off up the coast road again. We stopped at the famed tree top walk and cafe just south of Hokitika. Here we climbed up amounst the trees along a metal gangway and up a rather high tower which swayed alot.

Into Hokitika for lunch and a visit to the museum at the famed jewel town. There was once 102 hotels in the town at the height of the gold rush. Lovely town with plenty of jade gallerys for those with lots of cash…(not me ) but nice to look around. One ice cream and off we go.

A quick stop in Greymouth for coffee and onto our nightly stop at punakaiki resort. Here are the pancake rocks. Not even the scientists know how these where formed. Astounding they are. The tied was not in far enough for us to get the benefit of the blow holes so we will try again in the morning. But the sea was very rough and crashed against the rocks as we walked round the trail. Great view from the hotel as we readied our selves for the farewell dinner in the restaurant. And a very raucous occasion it was. Lots of speeches and singing. I’m sure I saw a tear in Ron’s eye. Whether it was with relief or sadness Ill never know lol. Eventually we wound our way to our beds leaving the grateful staff to clear up behind us to not look forward to our last day of travel in this wonderful country.