South Island Wednesday, 15.4.15 Franz Joseph to Hokitika

Woke up to a very cold morning and a car well iced up. Decided not to bother with walk up to Franz Joseph Glacier because the walk is now 1 1/2 hours for a distant view and we saw it twice in previous visits  before it receded so far. First stop Lake Mapourika for the reflections. Watched the mists rise off the water and a group of novice kayakers having a lesson.

Next stop, Okarito Lagoon, the home of the Kotuku (the NZ white heron, a sacred bird). Two Kotuku in the distance on the lagoon. Unfortunately tours run from September to March (breeding season) so most of them have dispersed. We did the wetland and trig walk uphill, of course, but lovely, before continuing. Stopped at Whataroa River for photos of river then at the tiny hamlet of HRi Hari for lunch. Two young ladies have set up a kiosk on the side of the road selling hot drinks, pies etc. Bought  a cup of tea and a slice of apple shortcake had our cheese and bikkies, Apple etc. in the park behind the van. Very peaceful and a lovely day. 

The little town of Ross turned out to have an interesting history and we spent some time in the little well done museum and across the street speaking to a fellow who makes greenstone jewellery by hand laboriously. A most interesting person. Showed us some amazing pieces he had created.  Ross has a long gold mining history and apparently the town is sitting on huge reserves of alluvial gold. 

Once we arrived in Hokitika we called in at the I Site to get directions to our accommodation. The most helpful volunteer lady also organised accommodation for our next night on the way into Christchurch at a BnB in a little place called Kirwee.  Our tonight's accommodation at the Shining Star is top notch. A log cabin right on the beach, spa bath, loft bedroom, kitchenette etc. Had a very relaxing stroll on the beach. Beaches here on the west coast are fine black sand with heaps of driftwood which has come down the rivers and out to sea in floods, then washed back onto the beaches. The beach here is also interesting for fossicking as it is possible to find lumps of greenstone and other minerals as well as  Quartz and smooth glaciated stones.  

The sunset here is renowned as the sun goes down over the sea. It didn't fail us. Went into town and had very good dinner of salmon and venison at Stumpers Bar and Cafe

Reflections Lake Mapourika

Sunset over Hokitika Beach

Bill on the beach