South Island Thursday 16.4.15 Hokitika to Kirwee

Another blue sky day and , happily , a little warmer this morning. Breakfast back at Stumpers then another walk on the beach. Hokitika is a most attractive town with exceptionally wide streets, the sea on one boundary and ringed by snow capped mountains. Lots lovely shops selling greenstone and high quality arts and crafts, art glassware etc. in 1867 Hokitika was NZs premier port with sailing ships lined up 3 and 4 deep at the wharf.
Continued on our way and first stop for morning tea at the historic hotel in Jackson. There is nothing else in Jackson except the hotel. Interesting place with stuffed animals and birds and many old artefacts around the room and a lovely open fire with real wood in a stone fireplace. Very friendly lady running the establishment. Now we entered Arthur's Pass and the Otira Gorge. Quite an engineering feat especially the Otira Viaduct. Another picnic lunch at Arthur's Pass village then a rest beside Lake Pearson, a wildlife refuge.
Our BnB tonight is a lovely home with an extensive garden in a rural setting. Welcoming and informative a good way to spend our last night in the country. Dinner at the local pub.

Lake Pearson

Always mountain views