Friday November 2, 2012, 26 miles (42 km) – Total so far: 609 miles (980 km)
When we were in the Punakaiki Beach Hostel we met a guy that had started a new web site (bookme.co.nz) selling New Zealand adventures at a discount. He told us about Monteith’s Brewery tour in Greymouth at $6 each instead of the usual $20. So we booked two for the next night at 6pm. It was a five minute walk from Global Village Backpackers so we enjoyed the tour and tastings. While at the backpackers we met a couple from Wisconsin who were visiting their son who is here on a one year working visa. I told them about the tour and we saw them there. After the tour we had dinner with them at the brewery. What a fun time. Today started out raining again. We waited around to see what the weather was going to do so didn’t get on the road until after 10 when it stopped. Of course it started raining again and didn’t let up. So it was a cold and rainy ride to Hokitika, fortunately for only 26 miles. We arrived at another recommended backpackers called Birdsong. The proprietors were gone but left a note and key on the office door and told us to make ourselves at home. I love these kinds of accommodations. We cleaned up, and then called a taxi that took us the 2 km into town for a little lunch and shopping. The taxi driver was a real hoot and super friendly. He told us all the places we needed to check out. When we were done at the grocery store Jocelyn called him back for a pickup. When he asked if we had seen this and that and we said no he drove us around to show us the town. At the end he charged the same as when he first picked us up. It really is about the people.
Tomorrow we will bus to Fox Glacier and hold out there until the weather clears for a hike or helicopter tour of the glaciers. I spent 8 months walking on the ice in the Antarctic but Jocelyn really wants to experience hiking on a glacier. The bus trip will also save a lot of time as we have about 2 ½ weeks left before returning to Christchurch. There is still much to see and miles to cover. I believe I was a bit too enthusiastic when planning this trip. The South Island of New Zealand is a lot of territory to ride in six weeks.
