Hokitika Gorge & Franz Josef Rainforest Retreat

Our first stop today was Hokitika Gorge. When we arrived we were immediately swarmed by sandflies. Then luckily it started to rain and we walked the 90 minute circular route a little faster in 40 minutes ;)

We went down to the gorge over a suspension bridge. On the way back the sun came out but we both thought the jade colored water showed up much better in the rain. And so at least the sand flies were gone. Nasty these critters.

The jungle path looked really bright green wet and shiny from the sun.

Then we drove non-stop to our campsite, it was like the name said, like a rainforest. The sun was shining and so the 18 degrees seemed like 25.

Mom went to the sauna and the hot pool and then had a nice shower. It's nice here. The view of the mountains all around, surrounded by fog, is incredible.