Well I wrapped up my 21-day NZ road trip today by driving from Greymouth (on the West Coast) to Christchurch (on the East Coast). Altogether I drove 4865 kms / 3023 miles. Absolutely wonderful trip --- I didn't see or do everything on my "list" -- but I did pretty well. I'm still very glad that I traded in the campervan -- I don't think I could have handled some of those winding roads in that thing.
Today was another beautiful drive. For the most part, I followed the TranzAlpine train route -- making a lot of stops along the way. Note: There are only 3 passes that cross the Southern Alps
Arthur's Pass (which is what I took today), the Haast Pass (which I did on Tuesday), and Lewis Pass.
Good bird sightings today. I saw a Weka running across the road into the bush -- thought about stopping to get a pic -- but didn't think I should go chasing a bird. And then another New Zealand Falcon (eating roadkill). And the best -- 2 Keas in the woods right next to a scenic lookout stop. The Kea is the only alpine parrot -- it's quite curious and unafraid of humans (and makes a very distinctive sound). As I was snapping pics of the Keas -- 1 of them jumped down the tree -- and hopped out into the parking lot -- and almost into a camper with its door open.
Tonight I'm staying in an inn on Governor's Bay in Christchurch. Cool place -- beautiful views -- and seems to be the local hangout. Wicked drive to the inn though over a mountain to the bay -- I didn't realize portions of Christchurch were so hilly.
Tomorrow afternoon I fly up to Nelson. I'm staying in a cottage in town for 8 nights. Should be nice and relaxing. Nelson is known as the sunniest town in NZ -- but a cyclone is on its way (Cyclone Lusi) -- so I think there will be at least a couple days of rain (glad I won't be driving).
Weather: mostly sunny, some clouds in the mountains, 55 - 79F
Miles Walked: 3
km Driven: 271.6
pic notes: (1) old coal mine (Brunner mine -- site of NZ's worst coal mining disaster -- 65 miners died -- the mine closed in 1906); (10) Otira Viaduct / Arthur's Pass; (11) the "town" of Arthur's Pass; (12) one of the zillion 1-lane bridges that I've driven over during the past 3 weeks --- the sign indicates which direction has right of way --- really long bridges have one or 2 pullover spots on the bridge. (16) people in wetsuits -- they are about to do a cave walk -- there are also pics of the cave exit '& entrance (17/18).
Today was another beautiful drive. For the most part, I followed the TranzAlpine train route -- making a lot of stops along the way. Note: There are only 3 passes that cross the Southern Alps
Arthur's Pass (which is what I took today), the Haast Pass (which I did on Tuesday), and Lewis Pass.
Good bird sightings today. I saw a Weka running across the road into the bush -- thought about stopping to get a pic -- but didn't think I should go chasing a bird. And then another New Zealand Falcon (eating roadkill). And the best -- 2 Keas in the woods right next to a scenic lookout stop. The Kea is the only alpine parrot -- it's quite curious and unafraid of humans (and makes a very distinctive sound). As I was snapping pics of the Keas -- 1 of them jumped down the tree -- and hopped out into the parking lot -- and almost into a camper with its door open.
Tonight I'm staying in an inn on Governor's Bay in Christchurch. Cool place -- beautiful views -- and seems to be the local hangout. Wicked drive to the inn though over a mountain to the bay -- I didn't realize portions of Christchurch were so hilly.
Tomorrow afternoon I fly up to Nelson. I'm staying in a cottage in town for 8 nights. Should be nice and relaxing. Nelson is known as the sunniest town in NZ -- but a cyclone is on its way (Cyclone Lusi) -- so I think there will be at least a couple days of rain (glad I won't be driving).
Weather: mostly sunny, some clouds in the mountains, 55 - 79F
Miles Walked: 3
km Driven: 271.6
pic notes: (1) old coal mine (Brunner mine -- site of NZ's worst coal mining disaster -- 65 miners died -- the mine closed in 1906); (10) Otira Viaduct / Arthur's Pass; (11) the "town" of Arthur's Pass; (12) one of the zillion 1-lane bridges that I've driven over during the past 3 weeks --- the sign indicates which direction has right of way --- really long bridges have one or 2 pullover spots on the bridge. (16) people in wetsuits -- they are about to do a cave walk -- there are also pics of the cave exit '& entrance (17/18).
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