25.12.2017: A relaxed first Christmas day

The program for today is very relaxed, after all, it's Christmas and all the shops are closed.

We make our way to Hokitika Airport after breakfast to see if there are any scenic flights to Mt. Cook and the glaciers; some providers in tourist hotspots operate even during the holidays. But the airport is deserted, not a soul in sight. In fact, the area doesn't look like an airport at all. It's probably the smallest one I've ever seen. Well, it was worth a try.

We continue towards Greymouth, but after a short while, we turn right off the highway and look for the 'Tunnel Terrace Walk'. The 20-minute walk takes us through the forest and through three gold miner tunnels, one at the beginning and one at the end each. Tourists rarely venture here, so we are alone on the track the whole time. The only thing missing was an information board about the history.

Next, we go to Hokitika Beach where we take photos of the art piece made of driftwood, which is featured on every Hokitika flyer, and of the shipwreck.

We spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hostel, it starts raining at 4 p.m., so there's nothing better than lounging on the couch or bed with a hot tea.