We managed to get out of Hokitika fairly early this morning and on our way to Karamea and a the remote western part of the South Island.
We past some gold mining operations on the way up to Greymouth. I had originally planed on driving up to Arthur's Pass, taking the scenic train ride down to Greymouth and back, but I didn't think it was worth it any longer and the brewery tour at Monteith's was closed due to a rebuilding project, so off we went yet again.
The Pancake rocks were our next stop at Punakaiki. We got out and enjoyed a walk in the damp weather. This geological feature was quite impressive and it only saddened Tegan a little to learn that there weren't any actually pancakes to be had here.
Again in the campervan, we headed North passing Westport and eventually arriving in Karamea mid afternoon. I was originally planning to camp at a DOC site, but I thought it would be best to seek out a campsite for Tegan. We stayed in a cabin this time and it wasn't much... I think you are suppose to bring your own linens if you stay in cabins... or at least at this one. It wasn't much more comfortable than the campervan. Tegan got to run around with some kids there and I got an education on the Whitebait harvesting. Whitebait is a small fish much like a minnow that is caught in nets as they swim with the tides. The fish is then mixed with eggs and eaten in an omelet or as a fritter. Certain fishing locations are passed on to younger generations and this campsite along with most in the area were filled with whitebaiters.
