Along the North Coast of South Island, New Zealand

From Picton, we cut over to the north coast along the Tasman Sea. The closer we get to the coast, the cloudier the skies become.

Strange UFO clouds above

Starting though the coastal hills

Yes - snowy mountains ahead

Arrrgh! Without warning a single lane with blind corner

We reach our next stop mid afternoon at Punakaiki Beach Camp, which is one of the few independent Holiday Parks not part of one of the chains, like Kiwi or Top 10 Holiday Parks. We manage to get campsites right next to the beach. However, our beach walk is short due to cold and stormy weather.

Looking out from our campsite at Punakaiki Beach

Punakaiki Beach where Peter is pointing to Pancake Rocks for tomorrow The surfer looking dude who checks us in at the office, recommends the hiking up the Pororari River Track, which is right across the highway.

Sign at trail head

Giant ferns

Jill and Mark lead up the trail

This looks like Jurassic Park

Rain drops start

Prehistoric landscape minus velociraptors

Footprints from people walking into the river here

The next morning we are up relatively early (for us) and make the short drive south to Pancake Rocks in Paparoa National Park.

Entrance

Walkway through New Zealand flax

leads to the rugged coastline

with broken stacks of rocks

where the sea

constantly intrudes further into the rocks

Pancake Rocks have an other-worldly presence

Tasman Sea surges under rocks into a pool

and eats away channels

Pancake Rocks used as a bench by trail head

The view northward back towards last night's camp

After coffee and snacks at a nearby cafe and gift shop, we saddle up and head south to Hokitika, famous as a good place to buy NZ jade.

Driving south along the Tasman Sea

Looks like the town we're looking for

This town must be a popular with visitors as tourist buses and vans are parked up and down the main streets.  Undaunted we find parking places and explore on foot.  We've seen stops before selling merino wool and possum fur clothing and wondered about it. Turns out the New Zealand possum is noting like the opossums we are know back in the States. NZ possums were introduced from Australia to help establish a fur industry. Like many introduced species, they quickly made themselves at home and multiplied, so much so, they are now considered to be pests edging out other native species.  BUT oh, their fur is sooo soft and does combine wonderfully with merino wool.

NZ possum fur pelts

Possum portrait outside a store

Peter models a possum fur hat (no he didn't buy it)

Despite the many other visitors, we do enjoy walking around Hokitika.  However, we did take a pass on paying $20 NZ each to see a live kiwi at the National Kiwi Centre.

Last look at Hokitika's main street as we head south out of town