South to Hokitika

We woke up this morning to drizzly rain and mist, ho hum it was expected on the West Coast. 

Meanwhile my new furry friends tried to help me eat my breakfast.

We waited for a sort of break in the rain and slithered down the hill to the car. A detour to Cape Foulwind seemed appropriate and fortunately the rain stopped so we had a walk to a fur seal colony.

Spot the seals photo..

The next part of the drive was along the Great Coast Road, apparently one of NZ’s most beautiful drives. ‘Drives’ are not usually my thing but it was rather beautiful.

We stopped again at Punakaiki to have a look at the ‘Pancake Rocks’, layers of limestone that resemble stacked crepes.  It’s a bit of a tourist hotspot but as with everywhere in NZ so far -  not that busy, well planned facilities and pretty spectacular.

We are staying for one night at the gorgeous, immaculate Stopforth’s motel in Hokitika. It even provides herbs for guests!

Hokitika is a quaint seaside town dotted with grand buildings from its 1860’s gold rush days. 

There was a driftwood sculpture festival on the beach - grey upon grey but dramatic and impressive.

After a yummy and huge dinner, they don’t do small portions in NZ, we went back to the luxurious motel to await the promised storm. Apparently this place gets 8 feet of rain per annum - hopefully not all tonight.