We are now getting into the routine of packing up approximately every seven days. We are moving again, this time to the West Coast of the South Island to the town of Hokitika. Google Maps says the trip will take 5 hours 15 minutes, but we know the roadways often take longer and we will be making stops along the way. William guesses our journey will take 8-9 hours, so we leave Nelson at 9 am.
Our route today is Highway 6. We pass by the turnoff for Nelson Lakes and then are in new territory for us. About 2 hours into the journey we stop in Murchison for coffee's as well as a quiche for Anne. It's another 2 hours through Buller River Gorge and forested mountains until we arrive at Westport on the west coast, stopping for a few photo's along the way. We take a short detour to go to the Cape Foulwind Lighthouse then drive on to the Tauranga Bay Seal Colony.
60 kilometers south along Highway 6 we come to Punakaiki and the pancake rocks. It's a short stroll along well-maintained paths and viewing platforms to see the rocks and the blowholes. It is a well-needed break from driving for William. Unfortunately we are starving and like most all restaurants in New Zealand it is impossible to get anything to eat at the Pancake Rocks Cafe other than carb-intense snacks between 2:30 and 5 or 5:30pm. We give in - William has a sandwich and I have an ice cream.
It's another 80 kilometers along a winding coastal road to Hokitika. The views are inspiring. We pull into our next Bach at about 5 pm, 8 hours after we left Nelson.
After unpacking the cooler we set about trying to find a proper meal. Many of the restaurants in town are closed, either because they are breakfast-lunch cafe's or because it is Monday. TripAdvisor gives the Royal Mail Hotel 4 1/4 stars (out of 5) and their online menu shows enough protein-rich entrees to catch our interest.
After unpacking the cooler we set about trying to find a proper meal. Many of the restaurants in town are closed, either because they are breakfast-lunch cafe's or because it is Monday. TripAdvisor gives the Royal Mail Hotel 4 1/4 stars (out of 5) and their online menu shows enough protein-rich entrees to catch our interest.
A 12 minute drive out in the country brings us to the Royal Mail Hotel restaurant in Woodstock. We're a little unsure given the exterior, but decide to give it a try. The interior is like a cross between the pub in Walkabout Creek in the movie Crocodile Dundee and an Up North Wisconsin supper club. We order at the bar then grab a table. While we wait, we get a chance to enjoy the locals. The food arrives and it is delicious. I have a smoked pork chop and William goes for the ribeye. This was an excellent choice.
RSS Feed