Sunshine … almost

We had a reasonably relaxed morning as we didn’t need to be down for breakfast until 8:15am. However, immediately breakfast was over we took our bags downstairs and set off on our bikes at 9:15am. We passed by a long wire fence on which was mounted all sorts of interesting objects - old saws, old Singer sewing machines, pieces of old equipment. It was wonderful to see and made us all smile. The giant bike sculpture was at the very end. We eventually arrived at Greymouth and cycled out to the mouth of the river to watch the waves coming over the bar. It was a short 2km ride from there to the finish point, where we had a group photo. From there it was a short cycle ride to Monteith’s Brewery, which started in 1868. MrMacD and I had ordered a Carrot, Beet and Apple Salad, which was delicious, but it was so filling that we couldn’t eat it all. 

After lunch we drove to Punakaiki and walked to the Pancake Rocks Blowholes.  It was high tide and the force of the waves hurtling into the rock formations was incredible.  It was well worth the visit, even just to see the pancake-like formations of the rocks.  We then drove to our accommodation and settled into our rooms.  At 4pm some of us went to the start of the Paparoa Track and walked in for almost half an hour then turned around and walked out.  The native bush was beautiful and peaceful and it was lovely walking alongside the Pororari River Track.  Back at our accommodation we had time to shower and change before dinner.

We are all tired and our guides must be even worse.  They’ve been outstanding - courteous, friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and hard working.  It’s been a pleasure having them guide us.

Tomorrow is the last day of our trip and it’s going to be a long one - breakfast at 7:30am, leave the hotel at 8:30am, a short walk, return to the hotel at 9:30am, bags out at 9:45am, drive to Lake Moana for a 30km ride on beautiful backroads.  Unfortunately, the weather forecast is not looking good.  We should arrive back in Christchurch around 6pm.

Apologies for not having dipped into blip journals, there just hasn’t been time.