Day 24 February 25th Reefton to Christchurch

sunset at Reefton

First of all a sunset picture of our last evening staying at Reefton.  It was quite a view looking out over the hills/forest and we enjoyed the stay there - it was an unpretentious kind of place and all the people were kind and friendly.

Maruia Springs

Today we journeyed to Christchurch and left Reefton at 0930 to head over the Lewis Pass in the mountains towards Hanmer Springs which was a definite stopping place.  It was grey and drizzling on this part of the journey and as we climbed into the hills it seemed to get worse.  After an hour we stopped at a place called Maruia Springs for a welcome coffee break.  We were soon on our way and climbing to the Pass - which was 900m above sea level.  Once we started to descend the weather this side of the mountains improved, as did the visibility. 



weather beginning to improve

climbing

no problems now

blus sky appears

 We drove through some pretty impressive countryside with different rock formations and still some fairly high hills.  After about 90mins we came to Hanmer Springs where there are geothermal hot water pools you can swim and bathe in.  We had a picnic here before exploring the town.  We then enjoyed a good stay in the pools with temperatures from 28 to 36 centigrade.  If only we could import some of this to Middle Town beach! 



excellent views

good driving conditions

 We were on our way again, enjoying good driving conditions and excellent views, and we soon ate up the distance to our tea break stop at Waikari.  After suitable refuelling we were on the road again.  It was noticeable that this side of the mountains there was more irrigation going on.   We passed a rock formation called "Frog Rock" which made us smile.  After a few more miles we were in the outskirts of Christchurch and arrived at our destination in Rangiora by about 1630.

near Hanmer Springs

sprinklers required

frog rock