Franz Josef to Arthurs Pass
Left Franz Josef early in the morning and headed up SH6 all the way to Punukaiki to see the 'Pancake Rocks' (and have some pancakes for lunch), and some other nearby attractions such as a short stroll down to the beach (Truman track) and some cave exploring (which for Sophie brought back memories of The Descent).
Got to Punukaiki about 2 hours before high tide (when the Pancake Rocks were supposed to be at its most impressive), and therefore had some time to kill before heading there. First we headed to the Truman Track, where you walk for a short time through some rainforest, down to the beach, with views that reminded us of the trip along the Great Ocean Road in Australia. Once down by the beach there were supposed to be a waterfall, but due to it not raining anything for the last 3-4 days, the waterfall was very unimpressive. Still a nice little 5-10 minute walk.
After that we headed to some nearby caves and did some exploring. Good thing we brought a torch. There was, however, not that much to see in the actual cave, except some carvings made by previous tourists there. But it was still pretty cool to walk in what was supposedly a 130 meter deep cave.
Once out of the cave, it was time to head back to the Pancake Rocks to see the high tide, and while it was cool (again) to have seen these formations, we could not quite figure out why it was so impressive at high tide. We stayed around for some time to watch the tide go out, and could not really see any difference. There was supposed to be water flowing through the cracks and all, but well, nothing really happened. Perhaps because it has not been raining, and because it wasnt raining when we were there, it looked different from the photos we've seen. We dont really know. However, the good weather we have had is preferable either way. We did, however, see a giant hole in the cliffs, that went all the way down the the ocean... and yes, it was whatever we wanted it to be :p
After having "done" Punukaiki we got back in the car and drove back some 50 kilometers where we had come from, and headed inland on SH73 towards Arthurs Pass, which is New Zealands highest town (934 meters) and a small, small town of only 40 inhabitants (and 3 kea birds). The drive there was a nice scenic drive with some spectacular views. The town itself is beautifully lodged between dozens of mountains, and a nearby 150 meter waterfall, which we hiked to after we had arrived.
Once again we are staying at a YHA, and once again it's spotless. Sophie is a bit scared because she has seen the first spider during this trip, but she'll be alright :) Ended the day with some delicious hostel - made lamb in red curry.
Tomorrow we might do one more hike, before heading back to Christchurch, which will be our last stop before heading home.
Pancakes at Pancake Rock
Got to Punukaiki about 2 hours before high tide (when the Pancake Rocks were supposed to be at its most impressive), and therefore had some time to kill before heading there. First we headed to the Truman Track, where you walk for a short time through some rainforest, down to the beach, with views that reminded us of the trip along the Great Ocean Road in Australia. Once down by the beach there were supposed to be a waterfall, but due to it not raining anything for the last 3-4 days, the waterfall was very unimpressive. Still a nice little 5-10 minute walk.
After that we headed to some nearby caves and did some exploring. Good thing we brought a torch. There was, however, not that much to see in the actual cave, except some carvings made by previous tourists there. But it was still pretty cool to walk in what was supposedly a 130 meter deep cave.
Cave exploring
Once out of the cave, it was time to head back to the Pancake Rocks to see the high tide, and while it was cool (again) to have seen these formations, we could not quite figure out why it was so impressive at high tide. We stayed around for some time to watch the tide go out, and could not really see any difference. There was supposed to be water flowing through the cracks and all, but well, nothing really happened. Perhaps because it has not been raining, and because it wasnt raining when we were there, it looked different from the photos we've seen. We dont really know. However, the good weather we have had is preferable either way. We did, however, see a giant hole in the cliffs, that went all the way down the the ocean... and yes, it was whatever we wanted it to be :p
Pancake Rocks
After having "done" Punukaiki we got back in the car and drove back some 50 kilometers where we had come from, and headed inland on SH73 towards Arthurs Pass, which is New Zealands highest town (934 meters) and a small, small town of only 40 inhabitants (and 3 kea birds). The drive there was a nice scenic drive with some spectacular views. The town itself is beautifully lodged between dozens of mountains, and a nearby 150 meter waterfall, which we hiked to after we had arrived.
Waterfall near Arthurs Pass
Once again we are staying at a YHA, and once again it's spotless. Sophie is a bit scared because she has seen the first spider during this trip, but she'll be alright :) Ended the day with some delicious hostel - made lamb in red curry.
Tomorrow we might do one more hike, before heading back to Christchurch, which will be our last stop before heading home.
Wickedcamper - van pic of the day: "I'm surrounded by assholes"... hmm... sounds so familiar... Wait a minute! I know who must be driving this van... but wtf is he doing in New Zealand?
posted by Joakim at 11:28 PM
3 Comments:
Vad heter åsnan på bilen?
Tobias?
Den där pannkakstallriken ser läcker ut!
säger Kocoo
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