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From Kaikoura we went via Hammner springs. We camped in a pine forest and had it all to ourselves apart from 2 horses over the fence. (Still loads of rain) We got some mountain bikes FOC! I don't think I have been biking since I was about 12 but I really enjoyed it. Despite the rain/mud/getting a bit lost. The only other thing to do in Hamner springs is visit the thermal pools. 10 pools ranging from 35 to 42%u02DAC. Just ignore the sulphur smell and the old semi naked guys! We sat there in the pool cooking until it got dark.
Not planning to, we stopped at SlabCreek camp a peaceful place by a stream. The area is good for 'fossiking'. We had a go but didn't find our fortune! We had a visitor at our camp a Weka a sort of wild chicken. Very cheeky and kept stealing food!! Cold at night but the fires warmed us up even did some steaks!
Gentle Annie was the next place, best yet .beaches, more camp fires, glowworm tunnel, collecting mussels and a fur seal up close. We had a bit of nice weather with sunsets to match then it went sour and rained and rained and rained. The nice owner of the campsite took pity on us in our tent and we got a room for 2 nights, but no change in the weather so we moved on.
Karamea, and more Wekas. The plan was to walk the Heaphy track 5 days 4 nights 82km but due to more rain, me whinging, expense and hassle of getting back we opted for a halfway option instead. Chris told me wouldn't be too tough but add a bag weighing about 15kg it is. The walk was beautiful along coast through palms and forest. We crossed some cool swing bridges. By the time we got to our camp (with Weka) I was knackered. The ranger told us there was another storm due and no one else staying so we got to stay in the Hut FOC. Cosy with our stove and bottle of port as the storm raged outside .In morning we had missed the low tide, excuses I know! So we went the 10k back again.!
So still it rains, at Hokitika in a cabin again (no tent) with lamas in the garden. Not much here so we hold up in the cabin with films and beers. Some do call it the wet coast not west coast! ..
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