Day 13. Wednesday 19th November 2003
Hokitki - Christchurch

Today's drive is through the legendry Arthurs Pass, considered to be the most scenic drive in New Zealand.

Stopped at a place on the way, about lunchtime, called Castle Hill, a place I find hard to explain. From a distance you see strange rock formations sticking out of the ground for no apparent reason, just a group of rocks that look like they were dumped there. We walked up the slope to them and climbed up the through them to the top. There were huge limestone boulders all over the place, all different shapes and sizes (quite surreal—I imagined it was like being in a Salvador Dali painting). At the top we had a picnic and sunbathed a bit, as it was now quite hot and sunny. As I looked down in front of me in fields far below were horses and behind them, in the very far distance, snow-capped mountains. There are little birds everywhere, flitting around and nesting in little holes all over the rocks. You could have great fun here bouldering and climbing. There are proper climbs here (though bolting is banned) and two "proper looking" climbers, but apart from them there was only Jeff and I.

Apparently the Maori had a settlement here at one time, about 1,000 years ago. There are supposed to be some cave paintings there but we couldn't find any. Before we left we thought we'd try a bit of climbing ourselves. Tried the little section the "proper looking" climbers tried. Jeff managed to get up first time, even in his everyday boots. I had a go but failed twice, however, I did not let it beat me and got up there on the third attempt. I was quite pleased with myself, although I did bang my elbow quite badly.

On the way back we bumped into some portly looking Americans. "What's back there?", they asked. "It's a really amazing area, very surreal", we replied... they didn't go.

We then drove back to Christchurch, the only place we are visiting twice on this trip. Thought we'd go and have a look at the beach so went to Sumner. It was pleasant there, water sports going on and cafes. Got some food from the supermarket and headed back to the campsite.