Let the Sunshine In

We started the day in rain and fog on the west coast and ended in hot sunny weather back in Christchurch.

Last night we stayed in a small cottage in the hills outside of Hokitika. I’m sure we would have seen all the stars if it hadn’t been completely clouded over. We had relaxing evening that for once did not include a restaurant (we had lots of leftovers) and took advantage of the lack of steps to bring all the suitcases inside and recombobulate things. We each have a rolling carryon bag that we are using for two to three days at a time. We also have a large suitcase which has hiking and swimming gear and another large suitcase with extra clothes and toiletries. Over the past two weeks things have gotten out of place, to say the least, so we went through everything, put all the laundry in a grocery bag, pulled out the hiking clothes for day and the swimming gear for tomorrow and repacked. 

This morning after breakfast (farm fresh eggs from our hosts!) we headed to Hokitika Gorge to do some hiking. In New Zealand, they tramp on a track rather than hike on a trail. There were several short tramps available. Luckily for me, the swing bridge that used to cross the river in one place is no longer intact. What’s a swing bridge, you ask? Answer: something I never ever ever want to set foot on. Go to 7:39 of this video to see why. There is a newer bridge that David assured me is not a swing bridge but a suspension bridge. It certainly looked sturdy enough. Unfortunately, it also moved more than I would have liked.

Other than that it was a delightful walk even in the rain. The gorge itself is gorgeous. Even with the rain the river was an amazing shade of blue-green.

And here’s your moment of Zen for the day: rain in the forest.

We had a decent lunch in Hokitika proper and headed back over the mountain to Christchurch, so we’re now back in the city after our rural interlude. We had one of the best meals of the trip at Manu, which says it’s Pacifica glam. I think they delivered. 

The food was delicious: sticky lamb ribs, tuna tataki, and duck in red curry sauce. We wheedled our way to a table tomorrow evening as well (it helps to overtip).

Side note: Manu is one of the few places we’ve been that has a line for tips on the credit card slip. Tipping isn’t really a thing here. It feels weird to me.

We walked back and threw in a load of much-needed laundry. Tomorrow: swimming with dolphins!