The Wild West Coast part 1 - Haast Pass, Mirror Lake, Hokitika Gorge

Our next stop was the west coast of the South Island. This was sometimes called the “Wild West” because it is a narrow stretch of land between the mountains and the sea. Very few people live on this side, so it’s remote and fairly cut off. It is also prone to some unpredictable weather and … landslides. 

The section we were driving in today was through Haast Pass and up to Fox Glacier. A month prior to this drive this section of road was completely closed because of a massive landslide and the only way to get to the southern part of West Coast was drive east at least an hour, and then drive north for several hours, and then west again through Arthurs pass, so roughly, a seven-hour detour. Luckily the road had opened back but it had strange hours. It would be closed to all traffic every Tuesday and Thursday from 12 noon until 5 pm. 

We were traveling on a Tuesday, and the forecast called for a huge rainfall. I was nervous about making it through the 30 mile section of road that would be closed, and I was also nervous about landslides. We left early and were on the road a good bit before we saw the first rain shower. It was quick, and then a lovely rainbow appeared. I felt better. 

There were no incidents, and we barely saw any other cars or camper vans on our drive. We were through the pass and the section that would be closed before the rain really started coming down hard. By the time we arrived at our campsite, I counted at least 15 recent landslides. 

Since it was raining hard now, we did very little the rest of the day: played cards, did some school work, cooked dinner.

The next morning it was clear and so we could take a nice easy hike around Lake Matheson. which is known for having a mirrorlike reflection.

Yes, yes it did. 

Also, there was more moss. 

I mean, come on! Look at that gorgeous moss!

We continued our journey for the day by heading farther north to the Hokitika Gorge. 

I thought this was gorgeous, but Tom and the kids hiked this path like they were in a race because the sandflies were thick and hungry. 

Then we finished up and drove to the Punakaki Beach Camp, a really pretty spot between the cliffs and the sea. We were so close to the water that I could hear the waves all night.

I'd love if it anyone can identify this weird gooey blue thing I am holding. We kept finding them on the beach.