Destinations
Today we drove from Hokitika to Haast by way of Hokitika Gorge, a total distance of about 340km.
Hokitia
Hokitika is a major stop along the coastal highway. Lots of restaurants and shops. We went to the Hokitika’s Regent Theatre for some coffee and breakfast to go. The theater is a fully refurbished 1935 art deco movie theatre. If you ever come this way, make sure to stop by the theater. If not for the classic deco, the pie at the cafe are to die for. We had a beef mushroom quiche for the road, and totally regretted that we did not pack a few more.
Hokitika Gorge and Lake Kaniere
The Hokitika Gorge is about 30 minute drive east of the town. We saw a picture of the amazing deep blue gem like water and just had to see it ourselves. Once we got there, it’s an easy short hike down to the gorge. Astonishingly, the water was not at all like the picture. The entire river was a milky torquay grey, like a stream flowing torquay colored clay. Turns out it was a flowing stream of clay, or rock flour. The area had seen some heavy rainfalls in the past few days, and the rain washed the fine powdery rock flour from the glacier into the river. Not exactly what we came to see, but still amazing.
Lake Kaniere and the Dorthy falls are not too far from the gorge. The tranquil mirror lake and the rushing water from fall were nice to see. However, relatively, this is not a must see stop of the West Coast.
Franz Josef
There are two alpine glaciers, located within Westland Tai Poutini National Park, that are accessible by short hikes, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Coming from the north, we stopped at the i-SITE at Franz Josef to get some information first. The trailhead is about a 10-minute drive from there. The trail is rated as easy. Franz Josef Glacial Walk is a geologist’s fantasy land. All the glacial terminology came back to me as we walked up the glacial valley. It was amazing to see the power of the nature, caving out the massive glacial valley and forming all those geological features. It was also shocking to the impact of human activities on such a great landscape.
Bruce Bay and Paringa
Southbound from Franz Josef, we stopped at a beach near Bruce Bay to catch a glimpse of the sunset. As the highway curved inland we saw fog rolled over the hill and quickly covered the small valley. When we stopped to marvel the magical scene, two horses just walked out of the fog towards us. It’s like we just walk right into the magical land of middle-earth.
