To the West Coast to Westport

We start early in the morning; after 20 minutes, there's a laundromat with a shower in the next town, providing a fresh start to the day for $6. With the revitalized engine, we plan to reroute again, this time finally heading over the Arthur Pass to the West Coast, and then up to Nelson as originally planned. We pass the Rakaia River once more; this time a gusty wind sweeps through the valley, making it difficult to open the doors. After a quick fuel stop, we continue along the mountain route. We take a breakfast break by a mountain lake, but the engine won't start again. After several attempts, it finally does, but now the old problem returns (What a piece of junk…). Regardless, we proceed with a gentle gas foot and a maximum of 70 km/h on the flat. On the West Coast, the Tasman Sea appears rough and choppy, but also presents stunning views. Along the narrow coastal road, we reach the Pancake Rocks, remarkable rock formations with differently weathered layers. In Westport, it’s 7:30 PM, and it's time to call it a day; the Kiwi Adventure campsite offers clean showers and a kitchen, but at $46, it is also the most expensive spot so far.