24.1.2018: Bathing where the dwarves were

The back seat was definitely the better choice, although I don't have to sleep in the car again anytime soon.

Today I'm heading to Picton. But first, I am 30 km away from the lush green Pelorus River, which unfortunately I only have a short time for myself. Barely 15 minutes after my arrival, flocks of kiwis populate the rocky area and fill both the green areas and the roadside, when the parking lot no longer has space. It wasn't long ago that the nearby campground was closed during the filming of 'The Hobbit'. Dedicated fans will surely recognize the spot. Here, the dwarves floated downstream in barrels, fleeing from the orcs (after escaping from the Elven fortress), during which Kíli was wounded by an arrow. Well, anyway, my English guide says that if you don't dare to get into the water here, you probably won't do it anywhere on the South Island, because the river has very warm water. It hadn't had much time to heat up by 10 a.m., but it's still excellent for a refreshing swim. If you want to get off at the same spot where you got in, you should either be a powerful swimmer or not drift too far away. The current is quite strong, which is the ultimate fun factor for most people. They jump from the rocks into the water, which poses no danger because you can see every single stone on the deep bottom, and they let themselves drift down the Pelorus River on boogie boards, for example.

At 12:30 p.m., it's time to say goodbye, although I could have easily spent the whole day here, as I have a hike planned for today. For this, I have to endure a 20 km long, dizzying and slow-moving drive. Then I come across a side entrance to the Queen Charlotte Track, where, of course, there is no shade again. Poor refrigerated goods in the trunk... Today, I will take a side track of the Queen Charlotte Track, similar to the Key Summit along the Routeburn Track. On the one hand, in case it rains and on the other hand, I can save my energy on the day I pass by there. Plus, I get a glimpse of the condition of the hiking trail. The Onahau Lookout is marked as a 75-minute hike, but it actually only takes 45 minutes, which is already enough in the heat. After about 25 minutes of uphill walking, I reach the mentioned junction, which increases the elevation gain. But the view is worth it as always. Daily agenda completed.

The shortest way to Picton follows the coast and the legendary Queen Charlotte Drive, where you can pull over every few meters to dig out your camera again.

Arrival in Picton at 5:00 p.m. My hostel is about a kilometer away from the city center and is a bit alternative, but very cozy. I'm sharing my room with a German and an Italian today.