New Zealand 2011 Day 4

Woke up to yet another grey misty morning. Depressing. Decided to have breakfast at the main house instead of having it sent to us, so that we could chat up our hosts. We were really touched by Michael's and Sharon's friendliness and hospitality. We sat at the dining table while Sharon cooked our breakfast. Breakfast in NZ is really satisfying and fulfilling enough to last us till teatime!

Muesli, cornflakes, rice pops, juices and fruit salad

Bacon, egg and cheese - mmmm!

The main house

Waiting for breakfast

After breakfast, we were about to go and pack up when we saw Harry playing football (as in rugby) by himself outside the house. He would sneak a furtive peek at us and then pretend to self-indulge in throwing the ball around, as if hoping that we would go over and play with him. And we took up his shy 'invitation'. I just needed to ask "So you like rugby?" and he started to babble excitedly in an adorable child-like way (he was 4 years old, I think) about football and the rules, and from there the three of us played together. First time playing rugby for me. Within 10 minutes, I was worn out and panting, but he was so zealous that we could not bear to end the game.

After a while, we really had to go pack our luggage so we promised to continue the game after that. Throughout the whole time we were packing, Harry was riding his tricycle at the basketball court and looking over to our cottage, as if to make sure we did not break our promise and sneak away. Such innocence! So despite time constraints (we had to cover 197km by dusk), we just had to sacrifice a little time to play with him. Besides, he was the only child and he must be really lonely (I assume).

We played basketball for a while, and then he decided to take us to look at the farm animals. So together with Michael the four of us put on boots and stepped into the enclosure. There were sheep, cows and one or two wild hares. Learnt from Michael that he reared the animals and earned money from selling them to the slaughterhouses. He pointed to one particular brown and white one and said he would be "sending him away" next week, and I gulped, "You mean it is ready?" and he nodded. I did not know why, but at that point of time, I couldn't bring myself to speak more directly. It was kind of macabre as I looked sadly at the cow and imagined its fate next week.

Plodding into the muddy field with Michael and Harry

The brown and white cow that was 'ready'

Harry was simply so cute

It was noontime and we really had to go (though we hated it). So we bade farewell to our hosts and got on our way (not before dropping off our rented movies). Looking forward to driving!

With our wonderful hosts

They have a outdoor barbeque area at the front

New River Bluegums B&B

Now we knew why Greymouth is thus named

Took Highway 6 southwards and it was a pretty smooth ride. Hardly any traffic and tried to speed like never before. Reached a town named Hokitika and stopped for a break.

At Hokitika

Stopped at this eatery for teatime

Wow, lots of fried goodies!

Seafood basket - fish nuggets, calamari, fried crabsticks, prawns and fries!

Highway 6 passes through lots of green forests ...

... and was quite empty

Once in a while we would just stop by the roadside and get out of the car for some refreshing winter air. Gazing out into the broad fields, towering peaks and flowing creeks, and enjoying the tranquility of the wild outdoors of NZ was the best remedy for our stressed-out urban souls. No words could describe how liberating the feeling was. Was secretly harbouring thoughts of spending old age here.

Stopped at this river bank

Slug looking out for fishes in this shallow stream

Slug was pacing with some wild duck

Would gladly trade in my urban comforts for this wilderness peace

Stopped by Lake Ianthe for a toilet break and some scenic views.

Fooling around at Lake Ianthe

Fish & Game NZ conducts patrols to ensure fishers have the relevant license

Driving towards Franz Josef now

Reached Franz Josef town after maneuvering through a few mountain roads. Was getting increasingly worried as the sky was starting to darken and the mountain roads had no lampposts. Sped up and reached Fox Glacier town at dusk. Arrived at our accommodation, The White Fox B&B, just as we emerged from the mountains, and were welcomed by our hosts, Gary and Jane. They had two lovely daughters, Meghan and Isla, as well as a border collie named Tussock and a cat named Irish.

We were shown our room, which was a bedroom in their house.

Our room with ensuite bathroom - clean, neat and with modern furnishings

Drove out to have dinner at a bar. Fox Glacier is a rather small town - most of the accommodation, eateries and services were along the main road (which is also Highway 6). Most stores were closed by evening, only the bars were still open. Too quiet and lifeless, in our opinion.

Had pizza at this bar

Could not finish this huge pizza so brought it back. Retired early for the night as we would be trekking up Fox Glacier the next day.