Nelson Lakes: Since seeing in 2014, the weather has been a little sketchy, but it didn't stop us spending a couple of days at Nelson Lakes National Park. We had planned to climb Mt. Robert (to the right of the picture) but luckily for our legs the rain arrived reducing visibility.
Instead we took a water taxi to the other end of Lake Rotoiti and walked the three hour track back...
... stopping of course for a few posed pictures:
The weather beaten jetty was one of our favourite spots.
As usual the views we got through the trees, were lovely.
Most of the time we were in thick New Zealand bush.
I think that most people can manage this walk without getting their boots wet but with the last few days deluge we had a number of streams to hop across.
Can you see Mel?
It was a stunning place to relax after the Heaphy Track.
Pancake Rocks: The following day we drove to Punakaiki in Paparoa NP. Here the limestone cliffs have been battered by the ferocious west coast waves, forming the incredible pancake rocks and blowholes.
Arriving at high tide on a stormy afternoon we were in for a very impressive show. The waves were being squeezed through tight gaps in the rocks and forming spurts of salt water spray; the noise was like the breath of giants!
However, nothing could have prepared us for the full explosive strength of nature, as wave after wave burst through, sending jets of water high into the air.
Our camp on the other hand was a very tranquil spot on the beach with the towering limestone cliffs of Paparoa as our backdrop.
We returned to Dolomite point late that evening to take in the pancake rocks as the sun came down. Nowhere near as thunderous a noise, but still an incredible natural wonder.
They inspired us to have pancakes for breakfast (what a result)!
Tomorrow we head inland in search of the snow and ice topped Southern Alps as we head to Arthur's Pass.
We will return to the desolate west coast soon...
Rosie and Rob stood with us on the jetty at Lake Rotoiti and got the water taxi to the top of the lake. It's a lovely, gentle walk back along the lakeside.
ReplyDeleteWhen Nic was 2 yrs old I took her to Punaikaiki and it was a stormy day just as you describe. We got soaked as we ran past the blowholes at the wrong time! Still we came back to get you, Jen & Mum as it was too good to miss - I think you were asleep in the car at the time. It's a fantastic natural show!