The next morning, there were hints of sun and Eric took an early peek at Lake Matheson just as the clouds lifted. By 8 am, we were off to the Glacier. Road crews with heavy lifting equipment had worked long hours to return the roads to ‘Open’…and we were happy to be among the first for the day to visit the Glacier. A short hike…and we were there. Unlike glaciers in North America, its configuration has changed but not receded continually. It glimmered blue/green in the morning sun.
Back in the car and north to Okarito – a breeding ground for herons. We stopped at the pier of an old cabin and there on a sandbar was a white heron – waiting for us. It was picture perfect. Back in the car and north to Whataroa to visit Kereama Armstrong, a Maori carver, whom Donna Thomas, Eric’s former business partner, and he had met years ago. Kerema …a ka a Lou…has been designated the best Maori carver in New Zealand and his work in whale bone attests to the award.
Time for a picnic on the beach in Hoikita and a walkabout the town…to find wonderful bread, a bank, and the required ‘ice creams’. We drove up coast – snapping pictures as we headed north…and we stopped at Greymouth to walk on the river wall – constructed in the 1990’s to protect the town from flooding.
Our next destination was Punakaiki – pancake rocks and blow holes. Rocks seem to stack up along the coast and the power of erosion is evident as the sea crashes in among the blow holes. Walkways and vistas provide super photo ops!
And on we drove to Cape Fowlwind to find our beyond wonderful HomeStay. The property sets at the end of the peninsula with tremendous views of ‘sun up and sun down’. Nearby is a pub where we walked for dinner followed by a wander to see the sun set by the beach. Accompanying us was Meg, a puppy from the pub who greatly enjoyed the extended frolic. The winds hint at what Cook might have meant.
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