Day Three: Hokitika to Haast.

Photo:  Bruce Bay, Photographer Sandy

Unfortunately the weather had turned a little this morning but that was not going the stop us from having a great time.  First stop Hokitika township for a little shopping.  We visited the fabulous Hokitika Glass studio and yes a couple small purchases were made.  The Red Street Wear was the next stop.  There may have been some further purchases made,  all to assist the local economy, of course.  Pat on the back girls. 

We set off on our join with a quick stop at West Coast Tree Top for descent coffee and a quick photo op for Liz.

Our journey along State Highway 6 was absolutely stunning — almost magical. The rain and mist painted the landscape in the most spectacular colours, adding a beauty that my trip photographers managed to capture.  I, of course, was fully focused on the road and the speed limit.  We crossed around twenty one-lane bridges, each one adding a touch of adventure to the drive.  

         

                

We visited the West coast wildlife centre in Franz Josef.  Spent some quality time with a couple of kiwis,  had a staring competition with Rewi the Tuatara,  he won! Watched several Penguins having a swim.    

  

Unfortunately the rain meant that our planned stop at Fox Glacier was just for fuel for us and the car.  

We did stop regardless of the rain at Bruce Bay Liz and myself did a spot of beach combing. 

   

And at Knights Point, spoke to a couple Post grads students from Otago catching sand flies for a biogens study.  Not a great day for such a task. 

We arrived in Haast around 6pm.  Dinner at the Frontier cafe.  Settling in for an earlier night.  

Big day tomorrow.