Four hundred seventy kilometers

Today is an extreme travel day. We are driving from Nelson to Franz Joseph (Waiau), which is already about 7.5 hours without stops. With a bus and trailer, it will take at least 8.5 to 9 hours. With breaks, it becomes 10.5 hours. If we get lost once, it could be nearly 12. Nevertheless, time passes quicker than expected. We stop for coffee and a discussion about the celebrities we would like to have a coffee with (I had to pass on the question today). For New Zealand's longest swing bridge. For the famous Pancake Rocks, including dolphins in the sea. For a very abrupt supermarket shopping trip, where I unfortunately ended up hungry and am now stocked up on food for the entire journey. For a photo stop at the place name sign of the town where my sister lived for 3 months. We arrive in half paradise, not only in terms of scenery but also because there are towels and a hot tub here.