Last full day on the west coast

Once again, the skies were grey in the town of Greymouth and we headed back to Maggie’s for another hot breakfast. This time, they made vegan pancakes and also prepared our lunches for the day. It was still raining by the time we were done with breakfast, so we changed our plans and decided to shop around town. 

Breakfast at Maggie’s

Ashley’s also joining the Saturday Brunch Bunch

Shopping around Greymouth 

After finding some souvenirs, we climbed back in the gatorwaka and headed to the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, part of Paparoa National Park. We noticed a hint of Florida, while we drove by nīkau palm trees and learned that this is the southern limit of nīkau palm trees in New Zealand. Once we arrived at the pancake rocks, we did some more shopping and then walked the short trail. We saw some incredible views and learned about the erosional coast and limestone rocks!

Entering the Pancake Rocks trail

Group picture at the Pancake Rocks!

Veronica on her throne 

Figures in the pancake rocks

More pancake rocks and a blowhole 

We then began our journey back in the opposite direction to the Crèche du Bois Gentil (Friendly Forest Crèche for kiwi) Kiwi Crèche, in hopes to see the endangered birds and restore some of their habitat. Once we arrived, we met a ranger, Christy Owens, who works for the Paparoa Wildlife Trust and she answered our endless questions. We learned that they take the kiwi eggs, hatch them in a facility to improve their chances of survival, and then keep the chicks in the crèche for about a year. After this year, they release them into the wild in the Paparoa National Park. Also, kiwis live until around 65 years old! Using a transmitter and a receiver, we located a chick named Turiwhate, and Christy performed a monthly wellness check on her. We even got to take pictures and pet the kiwi! It’s hard to express how cute the kiwi really was!

Turiwhate, the cutest kiwi!

Christy performing a wellness check

Entering the predator proof fence of the crèche

We also planted some native trees to help with restoration of the crèche!

Tree planting with George!

To finish off the day, we headed to Hokitika for a Thai dinner and glow worms. The worms lit up the walls of the dell and resembled stars in the sky! Today was another full and exciting day on the west coast! 

The town of Hokitika

Glow worms in the dell

Kia ora!

-Haiden

Journey to Greymouth!

Goblin (Forest) Blocks Our Path

 Today marked the first day of our trip the West Coast. We all loaded up in the gatorwaka bright and early and headed out towards the western alps via Lewis Pass. On our way over we stopped at a mystical forest called the “Goblin Forest” (Alpine Nature Walk). The trees were covered in lichen and the entire place had an ethereal feel. After walking about 10 minutes out we all spread out to look for the elusive bird’s nest fungus, a tiny fungus shaped like a bird’s nest, complete with eggs. As we walked, the soft ground deflated under our feet and the cold rain and wind beat against us. Luckily, we successfully located lots of the bird’s nest fungus, along with lots of other fungi that Colin was happy to identify. Freezing and soaking, we ventured to our next stop. 

Looking for ‘shrooms

Found them!

The lake on the goblin forest 

Through the City of Light

Rain pounding against the gatorwaka, we made it through Lewis Pass and into Reefton, the City of Light. At a local museum (at an NZ iSite), we learned more about the history of the city, along with New Zealand as a whole. We learned that the city got its monicker because it was the first town in the Southern Hemisphere to have electric streetlights. After stocking up on goodies from the gift shop, we continued on our journey.

Veronica participates in museum activities

Ashley does not participate in museum activities 

Arrival! 

A couple hours later, the gatorwaka was trashed from all the snacks we had eaten, but we had finally arrived at our destination, the town of Greymouth. True to its name, the sky was grey and fog prevented us from seeing the mountains we had just passed through. Everyone was starving, so we went to a local Asian restaurant. The food was great and everyone left satisfied, especially me. We then made a short stop at a local supermarket to get supplies for our hike tomorrow and made peanut butter and boysenberry jelly sandwiches for meals. I am nervous but excited for tomorrow.

Colin and his minions 

Dinner!

Supermarket Selfie

That’s it for me! ✌️ 

- Ryan