Feb 23: Arthur’s Pass Roadtrip and Rendezvous

aliceesor

Feb 23, 2024: Nelson Lakes -> West Melton (near Christchurch)

Today was a real test of Tightie Whitie, the rental Corolla.

We left Nelson Lakes early…
…and drove out to the coast.
Then we followed the beautiful coastal route south…

…to Hokitika, where we collected mum and headed east through scenic Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch.

We made a few choice stops:

Charleston, for golden liquid dispoal at the site of an old goldmine, and obligatory dancing snapshot.
Pancake rocks for a short walk around (layers of limestone and mudstone in very regular intervals, of which the soft mudstone erodes more easily, creating their nifty appearance).

Hokitika for collecting mum and hanger prevention hand pies and ice cream on the beach.

Viaduct viewpoint, just before the summit of Arthur’s Pass (looking out at some impressive engineering) – a car pulled up and started honking. Who to our wondering eyes should step out, but John and Sachi!

They were going in the opposite direction through the Pass and just happened to stop at the same viewpoint!
Devil’s punchbowl for a short hike to a waterfall where we ate cheese and crackers.

Kura Tawhiti (Castle Hill) for a walking and scrambly exploration of the incredible rock formations (these are also limestone like the pancake rocks, but not the same layering).

Behind the scenes at the location for rockstar photoshoot (us) and a music video filming (not us – the semi-maked randos in the back right corner).
Rockstar 1: Being a rock star in your 70s – no problem!
Rockstar 2: Jessi is so tall she can touch the sky!
Rockstar 3: a classic balance + bonus creeper
Rockstar 4: ain’t no boulder high enough

We checked into our fabulous farmstead stay, which had much appreciated fresh fruit, as well as laundry, showers, and real beds. Hands-down our best accommodation of the trip. Too bad we are only staying one night and a short night at that.

Despite all the evidence, it was not, in fact, a label farm.

Alice

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