A Good Day for a Drive in the Country...

Greymouth, New Zealand

May 10, 2007
S 42°28.066
E 171°11.145

We woke up to the sound of rat-tit-tat-tat-tating rain on the tin roof just outside of our bedroom window. After several days of perfect weather, we knew the rain was going to get us sooner or later. Instead of braving the rain we adjusted our plans and hit the road early, rather than going for another hike along the beautiful lakeside. Our plan was to get to Greymouth by the end of the day.

Even though it was raining, it didn’t deter from the beauty as we drove towards the coast. The low, wispy clouds lingered around the mountains, adding to the ambiance, as the rain dusted our little Toyota Corolla as it zipped down the quiet country roads.

We made our way on along the curvy roads, hugging the lines like a sports car and doing our best to avoid head on collisions with the reckless Kiwi drivers. The beautiful drive through Buller Gorge was sketchy; at times dropping to a single lane “highway”. The driver heading east is supposed to “Give Way” to oncoming traffic, but it makes it difficult when you can’t even see around the blind curves that lie ahead. We dropped our speed to 15 KM per hour several times and safely made it around the twists and turns.

After driving at least 1500 miles in New Zealand, we would expect to grow tired of the landscape, but since it changes daily we haven’t. Today we drove by deer farms where hundreds of deer grazed in fields typically reserved for sheep and cattle. Venison is very popular in New Zealand and the meat is exported worldwide.

We stopped in Punakaiki to see the famous pancake rocks. The rocks, which are limestone, have been formed by the sea over millions of years. It is truly a geological mystery as to why they are layered, like pancakes stacked on one another. The rain slowed to a drizzle during brief walk through Punakaiki park and even though we got a little wet the stop was still worth our time.

Before stopping in Greymouth we took a quick detour to Blackball (pop. 370). We liked the name, and really meant to get a picture in front of the “Welcome to Blackball” sign as you enter the town, but failed to since there wasn’t a proper turnout. However, our sole purpose for heading to Blackball was to go to the Blackball Salami Company. The Salami Company is reported to have the best salami around, including tasty venison salami. We sampled several different types before selecting two sticks that we’ll enjoy for lunch over the next couple weeks.

After Blackball we made our way to Greymouth; we arrived just in time to catch the sunset over the Tasman Sea on the beach 100 meters from our doorstep.

Another magical day in New Zealand.