Northern West Coast

As I mentioned before, the weather and the geography change rapidly here so as you move north up the west coast, the water moves from shades of gray to beautiful blue, the lush rainforest starts to meld into a more tropical forest (still a blend of pine, beech and palm) and the weather turns crispy warm … I think it just might be time to put the long pants away J.   We started this part of the coast with a bit of an inland hike in hopes of seeing the peak of Mt Cook, to no avail,  the hike was LONG but amazing.  The picture shows the valley view out to the Southern Alps mountain range.  If you look close you can see a little hut in the right hand corner … for those who want to sleep over night it is available.  As you move back to the north coast shoreline you find beautiful geological formations and wide, long undeveloped beaches.   We had a lovely meander with many stops up the coast and landed in Westport where we will start to venture inland again.  Next stop Nelson Lakes Nation Park.  Have I mentioned that this country is amazing? J