We enjoyed another nice breakfast at Eden’s Edge before loading the car to drive back south. Unfortunately, not only had it rained during the night, but it was raining quite hard when we packed up.
However, the rain did let up and we even saw patches of blue sky and sunshine.
We drove through some beautiful tree canopies. Lots of rocky cliffs as well as evidence of past logging.
Arriving in Hanmer Springs, it reminded us of a smaller version of Banff, complete with hot springs. We did a quick grocery shop for a store prepared pizza. Our motel had a commercial kitchen at our disposal complete with a couple of full sized oven! Wonderful pizza!
Who wouldn’t want to cook here?
We ate an early supper and headed across the street to the thermal springs. It was a large area which included a water park.
The pools in the water park were 28 – 32 degrees C but the hot pools ranged 34 – 42. The area was definitely quieter after supper. We enjoyed lounging until closing time at 9:30
Tomorrow, I t’s a shorter drive to Christchurch so we have time tor some sightseeing.
On Monday morning after we got up, we headed to the kitchen where there was a lot set out for breakfast. She had fresh cheese scones and fruit muffins as well as 2 kinds of bread from a local bakery. In addition there were juices, cereals, yogurt, homemade jams and fresh eggs from her chickens! There was lots of activity in the kitchen as people prepared to head out for the day.
The forecast was for rain by afternoon including some thunderstorms. We were happy to see blue skies as we headed north. We went to a beach she had recommended we visit. It was a beautiful, large sandy beach with lots of people. A few were swimming. Others were in kayaks or on stand up paddle boards.
Kaiteriteri Beach
From the beach, we continued on, stopping to do a short walk to a lookout at Hawkes Lookout.
We were up quite high and still had clear skies. Rainwater steadily dissolves calcium enriched rock such as the marble on Takaka Hill, carving out grooves where it flows. The hard marble is no match for the water, which becomes acidic when it percolates through soil resulting in dramatic rock sculptures.
We carried on further north to the town of Takaka. The road was very twisty with lots of ups and downs. We stopped for a late lunch/early dinner while there.
Excellent slow braised lamb shank with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Paul settled for a hamburger with fries.
It was time to turn around and return to our place for the night. It was busier and noisier tonight as lots of people were taking advantage of the kitchen! Tomorrow is supposed to be cooler with rain, but we’ll wait and see what the morning brings!
Following Joyce & Paul's Travels in Retirement 