We woke to look out on a grey, low cloud looking day, but given assurances that the cloud would soon burn off by around 10 or maybe 11.
It was a leisurely start as we were served breakfast by the host Roli. The other guests had packed and departed and left us to organise our day. We decided to walk along a nearby beach, then time our visit to the pancake rocks and ‘blow holes’ at around 3.30pm where at high tide, the crashing waves would be projected skyward through the gaps (or holes) created by erosion. Between the beach walk and getting to the pancake rocks we walked for about an hour along a made up track that ran alongside the nearby river.
Unfortunately we did not see the blow holes perform as the swell was not adequately rough.
We went back to the accommodation for a brief rest, then went out to walk along the Truman Trail, which led to the Beach just below the accommodation. The eroded rock formations were captivating and we stood in wonder to think how any of them remained in place.
We sat with the host family and planned the following day, as although we were checking out, I had been invited to watch the All Blacks playing against Wales at the local pub at 6am in the morning.
The dawn of the following day came at around 5.30am and I was up ready to get to the pub, with Roli and Eva plus one other French girl who had, with her partner, tempted Caroline and I down to the beach to see if we could see Penguins coming onto the beach in the darkness. We didn’t see any though.
The pub was open and coffee was on offer on the bar as we took our seats, as the build up interviews were being shown on the big screen. Because of the Pike River disaster, there was a minutes silence which was respectfully observed in the pub. I really felt at the centre with people that knew people who had experienced the effect of the disaster.
The match started and a growing number of locals (some of whom were south Wales exports) started coming into the pub and getting involved as the game unfolded.
The game was a hard fought challenge and for 60 minutes or so, the Welsh gave their best and the lead was always possible. The final score reflected the ability of the All Blacks to change the tempo of the game and with 2 tries in succession they were out of sight. But that’s enough of the match report. The atmosphere in the pub was good spirited, applauding all points scoring by both sides.
We returned back to have breakfast and enjoy the final few hours before heading south for Franz Josef Glacier.
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