The West Coast, Karamea to Punakaiki

The weather forecast for the entire trip was certainly not encouraging but we were unbelievably lucky to have fine weather whenever we wanted to get out, walk and see the sights. Driving conditions were certainly not at all pleasant, heavy rainfalls and often thick fog or sea mist. Thankfully, the roads were not so busy.

There was a break in the rain at Cape Foulwind, one of my favourite places to observe seals. There seemed far fewer than usual but most of those there were mother and pup, very young pups. They are pretty well camouflaged, but certainly present in this photo.

The next day we were amazed to awake to sun and clear skies which gave us the opportunity to go back a few kms to the lookout over typical West Coast coastline with its forested cliffs stretching down to the sea, and with beautiful sandy or pebble beaches with enticing, yet dangerous waters. What a fabulous vista.

The picnic area opposite certainly has a view, but is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

There was a dramatic view of the cliffs from our cottage in Punakaiki, with stunning contrast to the beautiful rata tree in the garden.

Just behind us, right beside the beach, was this pretty wee cottage surrounded on all sides by native bush.

The Truman Track is without doubt one of the shortest, easiest and most attractive walks in the area. In 15 minutes you are treated to a stroll through the lush rainforest with its ferns, nikau palms and giant native trees, then suddenly popping out into an avenue of mature flax bushes leading you to this spectacular view across the slippery rocks towards the Pancake Rocks in the distance. Although the sea seemed relatively calm, the small blowhole was still remarkably active.

Turning 180 degrees, this is the stunning scene, Truman Beach. It looks safe but sadly it had been closed off due to the high tides, rogue waves and rockfalls! What a pity we could not explore the caves and rock formations at the far end of the beach. Next time again!

Next stop was a trip down memory lane to the mouth of the Punakaiki River. We used to go there with the boys when they were young and it really has not changed over three decades

Aware that the weather was likely to deteriorate, we decided to keep going with our walks and set off up the majestic Pororari Gorge, another all-time favourite walk of mine.

Once again, the rain over the past days meant that the green of the foliage all around us was unbelievably intense. Photography really makes you take notice of the magnificent detail and patterns of mosses and vines.

The sun shining through the fanned leaves of the nikau was simply gorgeous.

As were the young tree ferns. The track itself was interesting and very well-maintained. We tend to take this for granted, but DOC really do a phenomenal job. I am so very grateful to them.

Our picnic spot at the point where the track joins the Inland Pack track was also the point at which we turned back, reaching the car just as a rain shower began. Perfect timing.

Fortunately we chose to visit the Pancake Rocks in the evening despite being tired. It was cloudy but dry, whereas the next day the rain was torrential! There wasn't much action at the blowholes although there were some huge waves, but the view was, as always, spectacular.