adventurethroughtravel: April 10th, Westport to Christchurch 358

There is a high over New Zealand that should result in sunny skies right through the weekend! The 104 kilometer journey down to Greymouth follows the coast with tight turns and constant changes in elevation and with beautiful surf breaks on deserted grey sand beaches with jagged rock outcrops. At 17 mile bluff there is a stunning view down the coast as well as many “cribs” or “batches” (cottages) hanging close to the shore. The views of the Tasman Sea and the lush hills are breath taking swells bringing in surf breaks. Greymouth, although it only has a population of 13,500 is the largest town on the west coast of the South Island.

After coffee in Greymouth, we followed the Grey River up to Stillwell and then on to Lake Brunner. This is lush dairy and farming country until Otira when the climb to Arthur’s Pass begins. The road spirals up to approximately 1000 meters through lush hills with bare rugged tops. The decent on the other side is equally dramatic until you end up in the valley of the Waimakariri River where they is lush farmland crossed by long straight stretches of road with sweeping turns. After rising to go through Porter’s Pass we descended to the Canterbury Plain and on to Christchurch through farming and horse country. We saw hundreds of race horses, all grazing and covered with blankets although the temperature was about 18C!

Christchurch is a modern city of 350,000 and a vast array of cafes, restaurants and bars. It is pristine and lush with homes having immaculate lawns and gardens. We got in early enough to go to the gym. Then it was off to the local watering hole to see the Miss Bakini Christchurch selected.