There’s one thing that is often overlooked in New Zealand. The weather especially in the west is unpredictable, variable, and usually involves a lot of rain. The last time we visited in January/February (Mid Summer) the country was hit by a tropical storm and when we were in Te Anau, over 300mm of rain in about 12 hours and the bridges at both ends of the road serving the glaciers were closed.
When we left Arthurs Pass, the weather was dull and grey, with low clouds and drizzle, and we made our way along the coast to Punakaiki, it was not the most inspiring. When we arrived at the Paparoa Park Motel, the room was a big airy log cabin. The view from the window was one of my favourites.
There’s one thing that is often overlooked in New Zealand. The weather especially in the west is unpredictable, variable, and usually involves a lot of rain. The last time we visited in January/February (Mid Summer) the country was hit by a tropical storm and when we were in Te Anau, over 300mm of rain in about 12 hours and the bridges at both ends of the road serving the glaciers were closed.
We had a walk from the motel to the swing bridge
And we had our first close encounter with a Wera bird. Who seemed less interested in us than we were with it.
It had been gloomy all day, but in the evening the sun came out for a brief visit. The view from the garden of the motel. A view of the west coast at its best.
On the other side of the beach is the headland with Pancake Rocks – another New Zealand strange rock formation. So a quick drive later.
This was an absolutely magical place. The walkways gave great views to the different formations and aspects of the rocks. With the light from the sunset the colours were glorious.
We went back the next morning when it was greyer, it was still a fabulous place but it had lost the colour. The sea was rougher, and some spectacular waves were breaking in the pools.
We kept the grey cloud until we turned inland. It really brightened up when we went up the Buller Valley.
We felt that the drive from Punakaiki to Nelson was too long, we had tried to keep every day below 200km so we had time to stop. We stayed at the Alpine Lodge in St Arnaud. It was a stunning setting in the Nelson Lakes National Park. Opening the door to the patio – this was the view.
In the evening rabbits grazing and the following morning we had a family of ducks for company.
It was only a short walk from the hotel to Lake RotorIi, with it’s woodland walks.
There was a final sight for the night.
I looked out of the window, to see one of the best night skies I have ever seen. I went out for a better look the photos from the phone do not do the sky justice it was amazing. So a little enhancement on the photos
The trip between Punakaiki to Nelson was one of the least interesting of the trip. There was little variation in the landscape and forest visible from the road. But St Arnaud was lovely.
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