WINE AND PANCAKES

Our reports have mostly featured our activities at each of the stopovers on our itinery, but some of the journeys between these have been just as memorable.

For example, on leaving the ferry at Picton and heading for Motueka, we could have taken the popular scenic route tracking the coastline at Queen Charlotte Sound; we will save that for another time. Instead we drove inland on the faster road and along the Wairau River.  This was a fascinating detour into the heart of the Marlborough wine region.  Vineyard after vineyard lining the roads seemingly endlessly.  As well as the boutique wineries, there were the massive vineyards of the big brands recognisable from the supermarkets at home.  Eventually the novelty of crying out "drunk that one" wore off!

Hope Saddle Lookout

The section of road through the gorge around 20km out of Nelson was breathtaking.  Mandy was tasked to try and capture a few shots of the route but was finding the twists and turns stomach churning even without looking through a camera viewfinder.  Wherever possible we allowed the legions of bikers to pass so they could enjoy the road fully.  We would love to be able to join them one day!

Another example was our long haul from Motueka down to Greymouth which took us through the gorge of the mighty Buller River.

Solid Granite Rock Overhanging the Road at Buller Gorge

We took the opportunity to call in at the longest swing bridge of New Zealand which came highly recommended by a couple we met on the Abel Tasman walk.  It didn't disappoint although our first encounter with the notorious kiwi sand flies left their mark.

Longest Swing Bridge in New Zealand

Further down this route we took the coast road from Westport to Greymouth so that we could look in at the Pancake Rocks and Blow Holes of Punakaiki.  What we found was an immaculately presented and thoughtfully designed walkway along the cliffs through palms and ferns with numerous viewpoints of the intriguing rock formations.  This attraction proved to be well worth the extra kilometres on our long drive and greatly exceeded our expectations.  Best viewed at high tide if you have the opportunity to time your visit.

Pancake Rocks and Blow Holes at Punakaiki