This is the second part of my road trip covering the West Coast of New Zealands South Island. The 1st part also started in Christchurch with a train journey across Arthur’s Pass to Greymouth then heading down south and completed over a few days.
This one,also across Arthur’s Pass but by a relocation car hire,to Greymouth to Nelson via Karamea,over 2 days.
Day 1
With a wonderful 1st flight out of Wellington to Christchurch with AirNZ i was very much on the way from Christchurch by 8.00am
A straight forward run out of Christchurch on SH73. Passing through Springfield you start to gently climb up through the Russell Range.
On the higher peaks there was still a light dusting of snow,whilst the lower slopes were showing the early signs of spring.
The first stop was Castle Hill ( Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area) At a height of 700m this has a very impressive formation of limestone.
Don’t be fooled by what you see from the car park. A 15 minute walk followed by a short hike up to the first rocks.
Take a walk through these and you will be in awe of what lays behind them. A area where kids and adults will enjoy.
Continuing along SH73 you continue to pass through valleys with rivers in them and then you will meet and follow for a while the rail track that the Trans-alpine use’s.
A stop in the Village of Arthur’s Pass is in order for a break. If you are lucky you might meet the over friendly KEA.
A short distance outside Arthur’s Pass,stop at the strangely name look out called Death Corner.The view of the Otira Viaduct is well worth a few photos.
At the settlement of Jacksons you have the choice of continuing along SH73 to Kilmara Junction or via Moana and Lake Brunner.
Both end up in Greymouth.At this point i headed North on SH6. This is an amazing road following closely the west coast,where you have a number of opportunities to stop to take photos.
A place well worth stopping at is Punakaiki or well known as The Pancake Rocks and Blowhole. This a poplar destination and i have to agree.
I continued up the coast to Westport and then onto Karamea via SH67 where i spent a night with a log fire a couple of beers and a great evening meal at the only hotel in the village.
Day 2:
The day started as the previous one finished , sunny and clear. Before heading back to Westport head out of Kamera towards the start of the Heaphy Track. If you are lucky to have a clear morning you will enjoy the sunrise as well as the peace and quiet.
The journey onto Nelson was along through the Buller Gorge with a stop to take a walk along the swing bridge.
After dropping the car of at the airport it was a short wait for the Sounds Air Flight back to Wellington via flying over the Marlborough Sounds.
The car hire relocation was through Relocation rental cars. It lists what cars require relocating,the pick up location and the drop of location and the number of days you have.
Road Trip: Christchurch to Christchurch Via West Coast
Transfer Car Hire
DOC Castle Hill.
Otira
DOC Arthur’s Pass.
Karamea
Sounds Air
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© Wildbaynz/Windyhillflyingclub November 2014
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