27.11.2017: Explore the Clay Cliffs

Today's plan is very relaxed - there is only one thing on the agenda and it is not even far away. The access road turns into a gravel road for the last 5 km - the first one our rental car has to deal with. We throw 5 dollars into the trust box, which urgently needs to be emptied. A short time later we reach the Clay Cliffs, clay and pebble rock formations that stretch towards the sky and strongly remind me of my visit to the Pinnacles in the south of the North Island a year ago. Unfortunately, contrary to my assumption, the place is no longer a secret tip. At least 5 cars are parked on the parking lot upon our arrival and departure, including a minibus. We scramble around in the deep canyons of the Clay Cliffs, but the loose ground combined with the steep ascent makes a comprehensive exploration tricky, so most visitors limit themselves to taking photos immediately after entering the intricate canyon system, and then return the same way.

On the way back to the car, we take a detour down to the river, which is lined with colorful lupines. Just for this sight alone, the trip would have been worth it. As an experiment, I stick my feet in the water - brrrr, cold!

In the early afternoon, we arrive at the hostel in Omarama, where we treat ourselves to a double room and take advantage of the great weather for our first load of laundry. Then we walk to the small Four Square supermarket, where we treat ourselves to an ice cream before we calmly make our way back and let the day come to a peaceful end.