Day 21 February 22nd Nelson to Reefton

Nelson Cathedral

Cathedral belltower

Another sunny day - we could get used to this - and after breakfast we decide to have a look at the Victorian Anglican catherdral in the centre of Nelson before moving on.  We had a good look round - the exterior is not as ornate as Truro Cathedral which is of a similar age - but the interior stained glass is very attractive.

road & rail bridge

We were then soon on our way south towards the next stop on our tour at Reefton.   The journey was incident free along the usual uncluttered, good roads.  We admired the views on many occasions - this is wine producing and dairy territory.  We stopped after 90mins for a break at a small place called Murchison, we had a snack and looked round the town a little before carrying on.  Around this area there are a lot of mines in the hills.  Originally there was a gold rush (and panning continues today) and then coal mining.  Some coal is still mined and uses the rail infrastucture built to transport it.


Soon we came to the Reefton motel where we are staying for 3 nights.  Reefton is a small central town and many NZ people have frowned when we mentioned that we would be staying here.  It is an old mining community and there are lots of industrial exhibits around.  We are staying on a road called Broadway and so I expect Christine will get into singing and dancing mode very shortly!


engine used for hauling coal

hilly outlook

 We have had a good look round, bought some provisions and had a meal.  We are now enjoying the lovely hilly outlook from our balcony with a sunset that suggests tomorrow should be OK.