6.12.18 Arthur Pass

After raining half the night, we were pleased that it was dry in the morning. We headed towards Arthur's Pass, with many hiking options. After a break for breakfast, as always: bagel, cream cheese, fresh fruits including strawberries, Nescafe and tea. There was also a short walk to rock formations. Our next destination was the starting point for a hike up Helicopter Hill. We were drawn to it because we wanted to climb a mountain. Although we missed the starting point and had to turn back, the hike was great. We had a 360-degree view, with the snowline coming down far, it was cold last night. Instead of the indicated 1 hour 45 minutes, we reached the top in 50 minutes. Our fitness level seems to be good. After the two cold nights, we feel that the cold has penetrated us. But we have our thermal underwear with us. After lunch, also with the same winning team, with self-made sandwiches and carrots, we go for a hike from Arthur Village to Arthur's Pass. We pass through wonderful rainforests again and take 588 stairs. It's beautiful anyway. We've earned our cappuccino and muffin, but had to defend it from Kea's,

a New Zealand parrot species. For the last evening, we treat ourselves to a particularly beautiful campsite, on the recommendation of a coworker of Patrick's. However, we still have to drive half an hour towards the West Coast for that. The road is really steep with a gradient of 16%. The site is sensational, we have to be flexible inside or outside, as it drizzles from time to time. So we enjoy the last evening very much.