Hanmer Springs, Canterbury, New ZealandThe Great Coast Road (Hwy-6) driving north.
One of the Top 10 Coastal Drives in the world according to Lonely Planet.
Mountains come down to the Tasman Sea's rocky coast.
Tropical like Hawaii and rocky similar to Oregon coast.
Water was very calm for the Tasman Sea.
PAPAROA NATIONAL PARK: Famous for a lush coastal forest, abundant wildlife, limestone cliffs, caves, and deep canyons.
Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Dolomite Point.
These unusual formations look like someone has stacked giant pancakes on a plate. The limestone rocks have gradually worn away over millions of years to form these magnificent columns. The layers are due to marine animals and plant sediments.
Short loop trail to Viewing Platforms to see the amazing limestone layers and waves that force water up blowholes creating powerful geysers and dramatic noises at high tide. Saw Wekas bird making nest. Waves force water up blowholes creating powerful geysers and dramatic noises at high tide
Punakaiki Cave--went in just a little way.
Even though it was high tide, no Blowholes when the sea is this calm.
Lots of Hector dolphins.
One of the Top 10 Coastal Drives in the world according to Lonely Planet.
Mountains come down to the Tasman Sea's rocky coast.
Tropical like Hawaii and rocky similar to Oregon coast.
Water was very calm for the Tasman Sea.
PAPAROA NATIONAL PARK: Famous for a lush coastal forest, abundant wildlife, limestone cliffs, caves, and deep canyons.
Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Dolomite Point.
These unusual formations look like someone has stacked giant pancakes on a plate. The limestone rocks have gradually worn away over millions of years to form these magnificent columns. The layers are due to marine animals and plant sediments.
Short loop trail to Viewing Platforms to see the amazing limestone layers and waves that force water up blowholes creating powerful geysers and dramatic noises at high tide. Saw Wekas bird making nest. Waves force water up blowholes creating powerful geysers and dramatic noises at high tide
Punakaiki Cave--went in just a little way.
Even though it was high tide, no Blowholes when the sea is this calm.
Lots of Hector dolphins.
Cape Foulwind: The name comes from the rather unpleasant smell that comes from the colony of sea lions. Fortunately, it didn't smell today.
Feb-April is the best time to watch the Seal Colony! The pups are being raised. Quite entertaining watching them play in the protected rocky inlets, being fed, and listening to the mom's calling their pup. Also saw a Weka for the first time, a typical New Zealand flightless bird.
Feb-April is the best time to watch the Seal Colony! The pups are being raised. Quite entertaining watching them play in the protected rocky inlets, being fed, and listening to the mom's calling their pup. Also saw a Weka for the first time, a typical New Zealand flightless bird.
Lonely Planet was right about this being a spectacular coastal drive with the rugged coastline, unspoiled beaches, native forests, winding roads, and epic views.
Continued on Hwy-6 going inland:
Pororari River Gorge not much since water levels are extremely low.
Lewis Pass: Many scenic views along this historic winding mountain road through the natural reserve.
Pororari River Gorge not much since water levels are extremely low.
Lewis Pass: Many scenic views along this historic winding mountain road through the natural reserve.
Reefton: Time for an ice cream break. Cute little town named for the extensive gold-bearing quartz reefs that were discovered here in the late 1860s. Main street still retains its historic charm. Didn't see any of the "bearded miners" known to be around town.
HANMER SPRINGS MOUNTAIN VIEW TOP 10 campground
Small alpine resort town surrounded by mountains and forests with natural thermal pools. Nice main street lined with restaurants, shops, and lodging.
Dinner at hotel next to campground.
Small alpine resort town surrounded by mountains and forests with natural thermal pools. Nice main street lined with restaurants, shops, and lodging.
Dinner at hotel next to campground.
The next morning checked out the thermal springs for which the town is known. They were in a park inside a building.
2025-05-22