The Treasures of the South Island (5Part I)–The wonders of nature
The northwest coast of the island still reserves us beautiful stages between the glaciers, caves or cliffs in the shape of Pancakes... We can't wait to be there.
Our route
The Glaciers on the west side
Fox Glacier
Located in the "Westland Tai Poutini National Park" the glacier has retreated so much for several years that it can only be observed from a distance.. The trail crosses a very dense and varied tropical forest. Ferns, Mosses and trees line the path but also beautiful blue mushrooms that may be edible? Once arrived at the belvedere we see only a gray valley made up of piles of rocks and in the distance what remains of the glacier.
Franz Josef glacier
It is located on the western slope of the Southern Alps at the same level as Mount Cook that can be seen from the road we take. Like its neighbor the Fox glacier it has lost much of its volume and the landscapes are similar.
The coastline on the west side
Ruatapu
Like sea air we miss a bit we go to the small town of Ruatapu lunch and walk along the beach. The region known for its jade is touristy. Many shops offer all kinds of jade items at exorbitant prices. The beach is huge it is strewn with driftwood trunks with sometimes quirky shapes. We scrutinize every little stone in case we come across small pieces of jade...
Hokitika throat
The other attraction of the area are the gorges located in the land, about thirty kilometers from the city of Hokitika. Known to be an unreal blue we were unlucky because the river is brownish following the recent rains.
Paparoa National Park
Les Pancake Rocks
It is an extraordinary landscape that we discover, layered cliffs in the shape of Pancakes. Over time deposits of sediments and marine plants on the seabed solidified and with water pressure soft limestone layers, like mud, were formed.
Seismic activity is significant in this region, The formations eventually came out of the water, Then the action of wind and water ended up eroding them, revealing this aspect of “Pancakes ” thin and horizontal.
Kahurangi National Park
Kohaihai Camping marks the end of the road on the northwest side of the island and offers us absolute tranquility facing the sea among the cries of Kiwis at nightfall.
Oparara Arch
We push our curiosity to the arches of the Oparara basin which are limestone tunnels formed by the Oparara River. We visit the three sites not far from each other.
Equipped with a torch the access to the tunnel narrows quite quickly. Philippe, more adventurous than me, slips to the end of the tunnel.
Oparara basin Arch
The "whisky" color of the Oparara River is due to the presence of natural tannins rejected by the decomposition of plants.
Moria Gate Arch
We explore the last cave whose central part of the vault is spacious it is lined in places with roots. The ground is covered with sand accumulated by the Oparara River.
Abel Tasman National Park
Waikoropupu Spring
We rent an Airbnb in the Takaka area (North-West Point) in anticipation of the hikes we want to do along the coast. Even if the rain persists we go to the sacred river of Waikoropupu where according to a Maori belief it is forbidden to be in contact with the water of the river.
Lunch at the "Mussell Inn" in Onekaka small town further north where the specialty are green mussels accompanied by a homemade garlic bread a real delight!
Puponga Hilltop walk
Last walk of the day under the greyness at the extreme northern tip. It is through fields that we climb to the viewpoint of the Farwell Spit long sand tongue of 26 kms where migratory birds congregate in autumn.
A raptor stands in our way making us understand that we are not welcome!
Tasman Bay
Totaranui Beach
The next day we take the coastal road where we hope to meet a family of penguins as indicated by the sign!
Small walk of 2 kms from Totaranui beach campsite to Waiharakeke beach.
Cable Bay
Before taking our ferry back in two days we take short walks in the Cullen Point Reserve.
Picton
Our ferry the "Bluebridge planned on 05 April is not cancelled but just delayed by 5 hours. We arrive at night in Wellington.