After having our fill of Punakaiki for the second time, we headed east for Arthurs Pass for a fun packed day to celebrate Mom's birthday. We stopped in Greymouth for provisions and enjoyed seeing the old buildings representing a more profitable era. We then took the scenic route (though every road in New Zealand is scenic) by an old coal mine to Lake Brunner in the hope of seeing a beautiful glacier lake with mountains around it. However, the mist and clouds and fog were so dense that there was really nothing to be seen with the exception of a white void. We continued through the pass, enjoying the views as the clouds lifted in some valleys. There were beautiful lakes, pastures, and and of course mountains in every direction.
We wound through the mountains along a wide river bed, with only the smallest trickle of a river in it, taking in the sites, and finally peaked a bit of sun and clear skies in the distance. The views were breathtaking and we were excited to see the weather improving (though in the dense fog it was still really cool!)
We chased the sun along the windy road and were rewarded by bright skies and mountains as far as the eye could see. We stopped in the middle at Arthurs Pass to take a few walks, one in particular to the Devil's Punchbowl waterfalls, which was a beautiful hike up the side of the mountain to see the double falls and feel the misty spray washing over us. We also enjoyed a walk through a mossy covered forest, with the sunlight peaking through the trees making it look magical.
Our walks in Arthurs Pass, let the rain catch up with us, so we headed back on the road eastward through the valleys. We made a stop at Lake Pearson, to see some fly fishermen and more gorgeous views before continuing onward to Castle Hill. At Castle Hill, we climbed around massive boulders sprinkled on the hillside and enjoyed the bizarre shapes from every angle.
After Castle Hill, we headed to the east coast with the setting sun. We took the scenic route 72 and headed north east along the east coast through vineyards and pastures (once again) to Kaikoura. We weren't sure where we would stop for the night, but the gorgeous views in the evening light kept us inspired to see more of the landscape. We drove until dark and made it to the Kaikoura peninsula, outlined by lights dotting the edges.
For more photos from the trip, view the New Zealand 2014 Album.
The beginnings of the views on the road to Arthurs Pass
We wound through the mountains along a wide river bed, with only the smallest trickle of a river in it, taking in the sites, and finally peaked a bit of sun and clear skies in the distance. The views were breathtaking and we were excited to see the weather improving (though in the dense fog it was still really cool!)
First views of sun in Arthurs Pass
We chased the sun along the windy road and were rewarded by bright skies and mountains as far as the eye could see. We stopped in the middle at Arthurs Pass to take a few walks, one in particular to the Devil's Punchbowl waterfalls, which was a beautiful hike up the side of the mountain to see the double falls and feel the misty spray washing over us. We also enjoyed a walk through a mossy covered forest, with the sunlight peaking through the trees making it look magical.
Sunny view in Arthurs Pass
Mossy Wooded Walk in Arthurs Pass
Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall
Our walks in Arthurs Pass, let the rain catch up with us, so we headed back on the road eastward through the valleys. We made a stop at Lake Pearson, to see some fly fishermen and more gorgeous views before continuing onward to Castle Hill. At Castle Hill, we climbed around massive boulders sprinkled on the hillside and enjoyed the bizarre shapes from every angle.
Views in Arthurs Pass (outrunning the rain)
Fly fishing in Lake Pearson
Castle Hill Rocks
After Castle Hill, we headed to the east coast with the setting sun. We took the scenic route 72 and headed north east along the east coast through vineyards and pastures (once again) to Kaikoura. We weren't sure where we would stop for the night, but the gorgeous views in the evening light kept us inspired to see more of the landscape. We drove until dark and made it to the Kaikoura peninsula, outlined by lights dotting the edges.
Views along Scenic Route 72 on the eastern side of Arthurs Pass
Sunset views from the east coast
For more photos from the trip, view the New Zealand 2014 Album.
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