Day 11 Westport

At 8 o'clock the alarm clock rings. Drizzle is forecasted outside. Today there is plenty of driving ahead. It's off to the West Coast to Westport. The walk to Split Apple Rock serves as a morning exercise. A rock on a beach in the national park that looks like a split apple. It is still drizzling as I enthusiastically descend the steep and partially paved path. After a 90 degree turn, I am startled by an unexpected encounter. The ranger from DOC (Department of Conservation) is probably startled because she did not expect tourists so early. On the other hand, I had a reason to be startled: she had a machete in her hand 😂, obviously to clear the way. The Split Apple Rock was briefly in the sun at the right time, but due to the high tide, I unfortunately couldn't take a photo from the best perspective on the other side of the beach.

Shortly after ten o'clock, we continued with a few small stops, including one for coffee. Along the way, you could see two camper van accidents. Both times, it seemed that excessive speed was the cause. Especially in curves, the roads in New Zealand are very slippery. In addition, the radial tires of the campers are equipped with a very hard rubber compound that we do not know in Europe. The goal is high durability in poor road conditions and extreme heat. The downside becomes apparent in the rain. Since I am not famous for being a slow driver, I can glide confidently over the countryside today at 70 km/h and sometimes much less. In the late afternoon, I arrive on the West Coast. In Westport, there is freedom camping on the beach. The sea roars wild at the wide beach. A top spot is also quickly found. In the immediate vicinity, there are two young German camper girls, Spaniards again, and an American couple. I treat them to a round of gin and tonic, the campers are delighted😀.