Introduction to today's journey
Today's journey starts from Rotoiti in the early morning heading down to the Buller Gorge and following the river downstream to the Maruia River just past Murchison. We follow the Maruia River and cross Lewis Pass, stopping at Hamner Springs before heading to our destination back in Christchurch.
Today's Journey
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Departing Lake Rotoiti in the early morning, we follow the Buller River downstream towards Murchison. The lake is the main source of the river, which flows down a spectacular gorge along its entire length along the southern boundary of the Kahurangi National Park. |
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Passing through Murchison in the early morning having now completed the north western South Island loop. From here we continue back to Christchurch. |
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Turning off from the Buller River, we follow the Maruia River upstream back towards the Southern Alps. Autumn has already started to set in as we head into the mountainous areas. |
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Crossing the Maruia River near Springs Junction as a cold southerly comes through and cold rain starts falling. It will be very cold in the mountains. |
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Following the upper reaches of the Maruia River just before we start ascending towards Lewis Pass. |
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Snow is visible on the mountains of Mons Sex Millia just after crossing the top of Lewis Pass. The snow is falling to about 1400 metres above sea level. Here at the lower altitudes cold rain falls. |
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The rain and cloud clears as we follow the Boyle River downstream. The parting clouds reveals fresh snow on the mountaintops. |
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We briefly turn off the main highway to Hamner Springs, and stop near Waiau Ferry Bridge on our way back to the highway. This marks the location of the ferry carrying vehicles and people across the Waiau River in times past. This marks the point where the river diverts from the wide glacial valley carving its way through a gorge. The autumn colours are spectacular here. |
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Passing Frog Rock as we cross Weka Pass in the limestone country. From here it is a gentle descent towards the coast at Waipara. |
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Once back on the coast, we follow the main highway into Christchurch. |
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