26.12.2017: Short-term change of plans

In June we booked our hostel near Arthur's Pass Village from 29th to 31st December due to the low number of budget accommodations. Today is only the 26th, but we don't want to spend three more nights in Hokitika. Despite extensive internet research until late in the night, I couldn't find any available beds in Arthur's Pass. Therefore, we have to make new plans. Originally, we had planned to visit the Banks Peninsula, located east of Christchurch, as a day trip. But since we now have some time to spare, we can give this beautiful part of New Zealand more attention.

On our way there, we will still stop at our hostel, which is 15 km away from Arthur's Pass Village, and extend our stay by one night because we need two full days there and the journey from the Banks Peninsula takes some time. Upon arriving in Arthur's Pass Village, we decide to take a 5-minute walk to Avalanche Waterfall before continuing our drive.

Our plan to visit some of the stops along the way fails due to the weather. We take a look at the impressive entrance and exit of Cave Streams (more about that on 28th December 2017), but we are poorly equipped in regular street clothes to venture into the underwater cave. Furthermore, we are once again being attacked by annoying sandflies. But we will pass by here two more times. Plenty of time to reconsider, better prepare ourselves, and wait for better weather, because the wind already cools us down to below comfortable temperature on the short walk to the entrance. Now, into the cold water - oh no, better not.

A short time later, it starts raining, so we pass Castle Hill and Springfield without stopping. We only take a short lunch break in Darfield, then continue to Barrys Bay on the Banks Peninsula. It's about 300 km from the west to the east coast. Our hostel has a 98% ranking in the BBH flyer and offers a lovely garden and spacious rooms. The hostel owners are originally from the Netherlands and have plenty of tips for activities on the peninsula. We put some of them on our list for tomorrow; today is just for cooking and a cozy evening.