The journey from Westport to Hokitika was often grey, cool and drizzly, but this didn’t spoil the enjoyment of the coastal scenery which was visible from the road for much of the way, the jewel being to the south of Punakaiki where the Pancake Rocks can be seen.
The area is made up of dolomitic limestone which was laid down twenty five million years ago in what was, at that time, sea. The whole region was uplifted five million years ago and subjected to much folding and faulting of the rocks. In the last one hundred thousand years of weathering and erosion the rocks have developed a fascinating pattern of corrugations which give them the appearance of stacks of pancakes.
A lunchtime stop at Greymouth enabled us to take in a stop at the Boulder Jade Gallery. Jade is known as Greenstone or pounamu in New Zealand and this area of Westland is famous for it. Many carvings were on show as well as a variety of jewellery but unfortunately the carvers weren’t at work today.
A common sight while travelling is the sign “One Lane Bridge”, particularly on the tourist trails where roads often follow winding routes and take a relatively small amount of traffic. We’ve become used to slowing right down at these locations, but were very surprised today to find, not only one lane across quite a long bridge, but also a railway track!
Jean
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