An early start this morning as we were heading out to Cape Foulwind…named by Captain Cook as he apparently experienced a ‘foul wind’ there (of the nautical variety!).
Living at Cape Foulwind is a breeding colony of kekeno, or fur seals as they are better known. As we rounded the path to the viewing platform we could smell the colony before we saw them…when all you do all day is sit around eating fish, you do begin to whiff a bit!
There were easily a hundred ‘mum and pup’ couples on the rocks below, and we lost track of time watching them go about their lives.
We took the scenic coastal walkway to Cape Foulwind lighthouse, a couple of kilometres hike along the rocky cliff tops.
Late that morning we set off on highway 6 heading south. Our next stop was at Punakaiki’s pancake rocks, rock stacks that have been aptly named for their resemblance to a stack of pancakes.
The rocks have been formed over 30 million years by erosion from rain, wind and sea water.
Back on the highway we were driving straight towards the Southern Alps, and as it was a clear day the views were absolutely spectacular.
Our stop for the night was in the west coasts biggest town Greymouth. We planned to stay at the only central motor camp, which coincidentally was on a used car sales lot!
We went for a wander around town, and Nicola was thrilled to find a whole city full of ‘Smiths’!
Next stop was Monteith’s Brewery, where we did a one hour guided tour of the small town traditional brewery.
At the end of the tour we got to sample their full range….and even pull our own ale!
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