November 27, 2015 Greymouth, Punakaiki NZ

Short drive from Franz Josef up the coast to Greymouth.

Now, not forgetting that we are on the main road and single lane, one-way bridges are normal, it came as a bit of a surprise to be faced with one just south of Greymouth that was not only single-lane but one that we shared with the train as well.

One lane plus train bridge. Grey mouth NZ

We were early for checking, so we decided to take the 45km drive further up the cost to Punakaiki to look at something described as 'pancake rocks and geysers'.

Fortunately, the rain cleared long enough for us to take the 20 minute walk around the path out onto the headland to view what turned out to be quite extraordinary rock formations.

Pancake rocks. Punakaiki NZ

Pancake rocks. Punakaiki NZ

Pancake rocks. Punakaiki NZ

Pancake rocks. Punakaiki NZ

Pancake rocks. Punakaiki NZ

The only other thing to see was the Cavern, a few hundred metres down the road. It's a cave that anyone can walk into, and provided you have a torch, go in a few hundred metres. or not. I made myself useful by holding the rocks up while others got past.

The Cavern. Pancake rocks. Punakaiki NZ

When we made it back to Greymouth, we were just in time for a quick pint at the Alehouse before going to the motel and sorting out dinner, which was as difficult as walking across the road to the other pub in town.

Brian enjoying a mouthful of peanuts and a 'handle' of cider. Grey mouth NZ