After having to give up my original plan of getting to the west coast via Christchurch and Wanaka, I decided to take the alternative route from Christchurch through Arthurs Pass to Hokitika.
Regardless of whether the other route might have been more beautiful, I was very happy with this decision. The highlights were the playful Keas at the Otira Viaduct viewpoint. But also the incredible landscape.
Before Arthurs Pass, there was a stop at Castle Hill.
Castle Hill is a collection of limestone rocks, some of which have very peculiar shapes and are considered by the Maori as a spiritual site.
Castle HillCastle HillCastle Hill :-) Castle Hill Castle Hill Castle Hill Castle Hill What a wonderful place to recharge, linger on the rocks, and simply look at the landscape and observe people. The only disturbing thing was a young guy, about 20 years old, who thought he had to take drone pictures of himself and his girlfriend.This seems to be a serious problem, as there are signs everywhere prohibiting drones here.It made you wish for a drone hijacking app more than ever. Is there such a thing? After a little more than an hour, we continued towards Arthurs Pass.The entrance or ascent to Arthurs Pass is formed by the Arthurs Pass National Park. Arthurs Pass National Park To cool off, I actually had the idea of putting my feet in the Waimakariri River. After 30 seconds, I had to take them out again because the water was sooooo cold! Like tiny needles.Arthurs Pass National Park Sooooo cold water The Pass itself is very unspectacular. I had the idea of snow, steep winding roads. But it wasn't like that.It was a very cozy car ride. At the Pass itself, there is a collection of smaller stores, restaurants, and a train station. The descent was spectacular again.After the Pass, there are two viewpoints that you should definitely visit.One before Otira ViaductOtira viaduct lookout and one after. Especially at the Otria viaduct viewpoint, you should make a stop. There are several Keas (mountain parrots) frolicking in the parking lot.I simply sat down on the ground and waited to see what would happen. :-) KeaKea Kea Kea Simply wonderful to watch these Keas.
The rest of the route was very unspectacular. More about Hokatika later.
