Happy New Year

It’s been much too hot and sticky lately to do any hand stitching or knitting, so nothing to report on that.  But we have been having a great time driving around and exploring on our South Island Trip.  Here’s an update of our adventures.  Boxing Day at the Beach is a Kiwi institution.   The day was hot and sunny, but the cool sea breeze cooled the temperatures down while we were sitting on the golden sand at Marahau Beach .  There was plenty of action happening off shore.  Several people were enjoying para-sailing, with the wind carrying them along at a great rate of knots. There were a few yachts sailing around, the sea kayakers were out in force, and we could see the Water Taxis going by as they carried people to various walks in the Able Tasman National Park.  And what’s better than paddling in the water on a hot sunny day?

Marahau Beach on Boxing Day

After five days spent in Richmond with Robin’s sister Kaye and her hubby, it was time to move on.   We were presented with fresh new potatoes from the garden, and I was encouraged to take some of the abundant grapefruit from the tree – all very much appreciated.   It was time for thanks, and goodbyes, with promises to call in again on our return back later as we head to the ferry. 

Kaye with oldest brother Robin

It was even hotter at our next stop in Murchison, we had a couple of days at 30deg C, much hotter than we are used to.  Murchison lies close to the Alpine Fault, and in 1929 a powerful quake centered in Murchison was felt throughout the country.  The town as evacuated, but 17 lives were lost, and the surrounding area was left in ruins, causing the Maruia River to gouge out a new channel, creating the Maruia Waterfall.   Originally known as Hampden, the discovery of gold led to the establishment of the town.  Several old, rather interesting buildings are still standing, and right next to the NZMCA Camp where we were staying is  the old Commercial Stables building.  Now it trades as Dust and Rust Vintage Store, selling all sorts of bits and pieces.

The old Commercial Stables

An advertisement for “The longest swing bridge in New Zealand” caught our interest.  A 15km trip along the Upper Buller Gorge, and we arrived at the destination.  The swing bridge is only one part of the operation.  Jet boating, flying fox rides and gold panning are also on offer.  We decided the swing bridge would be enough excitement for us.  Goodness me, at 110m  long, and suspended 17m high above the Buller River, we stepped on and off we went.   I know some people do have a problem stepping onto swing bridges, we are fine as long as no one decides to jump up and down, and try to swing it from side to side!

The swing bridge in Buller Gorge

Heading towards the West Coast, we decided to stop for the night in Reefton.  The discovery of rich gold bearing quartz in the hills and valleys around town soon gave rise to the nickname Quartzopolis.  The other claim to fame is that Reefton was the first town to “see the light”.  Reefton Power Station supplied electricity to the very prosperous gold mining town and was the first power station to supply municipal electricity in the Southern Hemisphere. It started operation on 4 August 1888.  This time we stayed at the Reefton Hotel, which offers free parking to caravans and motor-homers.   Robin went into the bar to make sure it was OK to stay here, and the reply was, “We are happy to have you, please support us”.  Of course we did, and enjoyed a huge meal in the dining room that night,  roast beef for me and a big burger for him.

We stayed in the car park at the hotel overnight.

Walking up the main street I discovered a lovely mural painted on a wall. Using an old photo as inspiration,  “Trucks of Quartz Mural” is a tribute to the vital part that horses played in the early days of mining towns.

Beautiful street art paying tribute to working horses

Where to next?  We continued along the Buller Gorge to Cape Foulwind on the West Coast.  This is a rather slow and winding road but the most challenging part is driving under an overhang of rock.  Hawks Crag is a prominent landmark in the Lower Buller Gorge, where the road has been cut into a cliff that drops into the Buller River.  We have driven this way before towing our caravan, so we know we fit through as do big motor-homes and trucks, but this stretch on the road still makes me hold my breath as we drive through.  Just as well it is a single lane on this stretch.

Passing under Hawks Crag

We are now staying at another pub, this time the Star Tavern at Cape Foulwind, where we are parked up on grass with a sea view.  We wanted somewhere for New Year and this is an ideal spot for a couple of nights.    Just as well we are not too near the cliff edge as there is a danger sign warning to keep clear.  I gingerly walked up to the fence and looked over.  Such a pretty sandy cove down below, what a lovely sight.

At Cape Foulwind

Gemma rather likes it here, there is a lot of birdlife for her to look at, and desperately dream of catching one, no show of that, Gemma  .  Being a bit of a diva, although she really wants to go outside on her lead, she hates the wind blowing in her face, so refuses to go out the door.  The next best thing is sitting on top of the sofa and looking out the window, where she chatters away at those pesky birds.  There are several weka running around, native birds about the size of a hen, and sea gulls perched up high on top of a lamp post.  All out of reach, and so much bigger than her, so all she can do is sit and watch!

There are big birds out there, Mum

We had been playing Telephone Tag with fellow bloggers Irene and Ian who write Free Spirit blog and had arranged to meet at this camp for News Year Eve.  They have come over from England and are traveling around New Zealand in a tiny little van.  We hadn't met before so it was so nice to finally catch up.  We were booked in for a pub meal at the Tavern to celebrate New Year, and we enjoyed a drink while we waited for our dinner booking time to roll around. All of us decided on Crumbed Camembert for starters, nice and tasty indeed.  For the mains it was salmon for me, and steak for Robin, no surprises in our choices.  Ian chose fish, and Irene struggled with a large Mixed Grill. 

Jenny, Robin, Ian and Irene

By the time we had finished our meals, the patrons had thinned out, the music was getting louder, so we all went back to our van for coffee and cake. It was a lovely evening indeed, although we have to confess that we just couldn't stay up till midnight to see the old year out, and the new year in.   Staying up past midnight was no problem in earlier years, but these days, not so much.

If you were wondering how Cape Foulwind happened to get such a name, it was from the intrepid explorer Captain James Cook.  His boat the Endeavor was blown off course by the prevailing westerly winds in 1770.  This area was originally called Rock Cape by Abel Tasman when he sailed by earlier in 1642.

Happy New Year to all my readers, it’s so nice to have you along for the ride.  May 2023 be kind to us all, with new projects starting and old ones finally getting completed.  Bless you all.