Hokitika an awesome sunset

It was a long 4 hour drive to Hokitika but we managed to break the journey up with a stop at Panacake Rocks. These are lime rock formations that look like pancake stacks, hence the name. The reason for the shape is one of natures mysteries. It's a beautiful part of the west coast so walking around the area is enjoyable anyway but these rocks make it execeptional.

Pancake Rocks

The Jones family at Pancake Rocks

We managed to catch sunset at Hokitika beach, a stunning beach with loads of drift wood. Caroline would have loved to have taken some home for an arty piece in the garden but I think they were a little big for the luggage allowance.

Hokitika Beach

The sun really does shine out of Lloyd's bum

Hokitika Beach

The next morning we wandered around the town. Hokitika is famous for the carved jade stone found all over NZ. One of the local rivers is a major source. We checked out a couple of factories, eyeing up some pieces worth thousands of dollars but decided they were out of the price range.

Town centre of Hokitika

Once we had hauled Caroline out of the shop there was a short drive to Hokitika Gorge for a short walk around the gorge. At one point a Department of Conservation employee surprised us all by emerging from the bush with a rifle casually slung over his shoulder. Carol & Boyd had visited a tree top walk while they were in Hokitika, they had raved about it so we drove on to this. It's totally worth the trip if you area, there are stunning views all round and a lookout tower to climb. Caroline was suitably scared, something I enjoyed winding her up about.

Hokitika Gorge

Tree top look out - Hokitika