Down the West Coast

Driving down the West Coast

After spending a couple of days enjoying the Saturday Farmer's Market, good food at hospitality of Nelson, we made our way down the west coast of New Zealand's south island via bus. The drive along South Highway 6 is considered one of the most scenic in the world, and it didn't disappoint. After sweet talking the bus driver just a little to take us the extra 15 miles from the "official" bus stop to the driveway of the Bed and Breakfast where we are staying, we arrived at our destination between Punakaiki and Greymouth safe and sound. This area is best known for its unique rock formations, known as "pancake rocks" because they look stacked on top of one another, and for its "blowholes," which are unique alcoves in the seaside cliffs and rocks that, when the rough west coast surf hits them at high tide, shoot the water high into the sky with surprising force. We arrived at low tide, so we didn't see any of those, but we saw plenty to keep us in awe of New Zealand.

Beautiful beach view from the room

The Breakers Seaside Bed and Breakfast is the kind of locally owned and operated place travelers dream of staying. The owner greeted us at the driveway herself and showed us around, and we felt instantly right at home. Even Nicco, her giant Dalmatian and Ziggy, her German shorthaired pointer, came to greet us. She even called the bus company herself to confirm our ride for tomorrow, and offered to give us a ride to the pickup. For me, this, along with the incredible hospitality we have been shown elsewhere during our trip, is further proof that Kiwis are a very special group of people. After we got settled in, we explored the beach a bit. The surf here is quite rough. Rough enough for a surfing competition, which was apparently taking place yesterday. A few of the stragglers were enjoying some joyrides while we watched this afternoon.

Waterfall at the edge of the beach

Exploring the surf. You can't see them, but there are trillions of black mussels on the rocks we're standing on, for as far as we could see.

After exploring and getting cleaned up a bit, we had homemade chicken lasagna and salad for dinner, along with some of the amazing New Zealand wine which seems to be everywhere around here. Yet again, things just seem to be getting better.

Sunset on the West Coast