Saturday 1st February - Rest day in Punakaiki

We decided we needed a rest day and as the backpackers was reasonably priced and comfortable,  why not stay an extra day. The Pancake Rocks and Blowholes were just up the road so we could take a gentle day walking up to see them.

Life is all about timing and we had a late start as we had light rain early morning and we spent time in the lounge at the backpacker lodge looking at our future plans and route as well as organising a touch of washing our very limited supply of clothing.  High tide was 12.45 p.m. and it worked out as we arrived at the view point there at 12.20. The sights were spectacular!  Last year we spent a lot of time on the Great Ocean Road looking at rock formations but we both agreed the these took it to a new level. We were glad that we had given ourselves a day to see them and that we could do so without worrying about the bikes and kit.

Above the dreaded sand flies! The outer tent was alive with hundreds of them and some made it to the inner tent and Catherine suffered a few bites in the night. Our skins could not be more different. I must have been bitten but if so, I am unaware, whereas Catherine has great big bumps all over her despite four antihistamines per day . They are a real pest and the worst thing about travelling around New Zealand.

The blow hole in full swing. This was enough to soak some unexpecting tourists down wind.

This is what the sign said you should see

Yes I can see some of that at least

Well what do you do at Pancake Rocks? ......Eat pancakes? ..... Well that works for me! With banana, bacon, honey, cream.  Wow.

C takes a rest as the sea crashes in.

The backpackers as seen from the seashore. You can just see our tent pitched at the back.

Above route six a road we have cycled for many a mile on South Island

Getting our kicks on route six!

There is a walk along the riverside which looks great.