South Island West Coast Region 2021 Lake Brunner to Lyell
Lake Brunner to Lyell West Coast Region South Island New Zealand2021
Lake Brunner
Greymouth
We left Lake Brunner this morning and went to Nelson Creek walks that took 2 hrs - 6 km it was about gold mining so if you like a bit of history this is a good one.
We then decided to do the Woods Creek Walk, on the other side of Greymouth with the same theme Gold Mining. This is a short walk but interesting, which made the remote drive-in worthwhile. The road in is not recommended for motorhomes, but we decided to chance it. Probably in the busy season, we could see the reason being the road is narrow making it difficult for passing.
Back in Greymouth staying the night freedom camp at Nelson Quay.
A dramatic sunset last night.
After doing a few chores and a look at the cave just over the bridge in Greymouth, we had a short drive to Point Elizabeth Walkway South End. Lovely walk with great views and tropical-looking bush, 11.64 km - 3.15 hrs.
Back for another night in Nelson Quay freedom spot.
Rapahoe
Tonight's stay
We left Lake Brunner this morning and went to Nelson Creek walks that took 2 hrs - 6 km it was about gold mining so if you like a bit of history this is a good one.
We then decided to do the Woods Creek Walk, on the other side of Greymouth with the same theme Gold Mining. This is a short walk but interesting, which made the remote drive-in worthwhile. The road in is not recommended for motorhomes, but we decided to chance it. Probably in the busy season, we could see the reason being the road is narrow making it difficult for passing.
Back in Greymouth staying the night freedom camp at Nelson Quay.
We parked here
Cools Dam
Mine
View from the lookout
Tonight's stay
The beach here
Entertainment
GreymouthA dramatic sunset last night.
After doing a few chores and a look at the cave just over the bridge in Greymouth, we had a short drive to Point Elizabeth Walkway South End. Lovely walk with great views and tropical-looking bush, 11.64 km - 3.15 hrs.
Back for another night in Nelson Quay freedom spot.
Busy with the school holidays so we didn't venture inside
Starts with a climb
Love the bush
View from lookout
Fox River
Just a couple of short walks today the first was about 10 km north of Greymouth. Coal Creek Falls 3.6kms and only took us 1 hr even though the sign said 2hrs, easy enjoyable walk.
We stop at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks for a pancake lunch. Then did some shopping at the great shop there.
Next, we were off to do the Cave Creek Walk, but there was a big sign saying the road was not suitable for motorhomes. We managed to walk a bit of lunch off walking the Truman Track.
Staying tonight at Fox River Freedom Camping, so we can return to Punakaiki once the weather permits.
The weather has been great but the next few days sound rainy.
Just a couple of short walks today the first was about 10 km north of Greymouth. Coal Creek Falls 3.6kms and only took us 1 hr even though the sign said 2hrs, easy enjoyable walk.
We stop at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks for a pancake lunch. Then did some shopping at the great shop there.
Next, we were off to do the Cave Creek Walk, but there was a big sign saying the road was not suitable for motorhomes. We managed to walk a bit of lunch off walking the Truman Track.
Staying tonight at Fox River Freedom Camping, so we can return to Punakaiki once the weather permits.
The weather has been great but the next few days sound rainy.
Coal Creek Falls
Tonight's stay
Tonight's stay
Westport
We drove back to Punakaiki Pancake/Blowhole Rocks this morning and managed a walk before the rain set in again. We skipped the river walk in favour of lunch in Westport, tonight's stay is at Westport NZMCA waiting for the weather to improve.
We drove back to Punakaiki Pancake/Blowhole Rocks this morning and managed a walk before the rain set in again. We skipped the river walk in favour of lunch in Westport, tonight's stay is at Westport NZMCA waiting for the weather to improve.
Tonight's stay
Westport
Nice loop walk between showers today from camp taking in the river mouth, the water was very brown after the rain.
Nice loop walk between showers today from camp taking in the river mouth, the water was very brown after the rain.
Chocolate coloured water
Looking over towards camp
River Mouth
Port
Lyell Doc Camp
We have had a couple of nights at Lyell Doc Camp (no internet/phone) heaps of sand-flies.
We have had a couple of nights at Lyell Doc Camp (no internet/phone) heaps of sand-flies.
Last year we did the cemetery loop walk, so yesterday we walked to Gibbs Town up The Old Ghost Road a 10km return trip. We ventured down the Alpine Battery track but had to turn back with trees down it got impassable, so next time we find a sign saying track no longer maintained we won't bother trying.
The main track is enjoyable and easy with recent rain, waterfalls, Tui, Robin, and a baby goat, some relics remain on the side of the track but sadly not many.
When we stayed last year it was very quiet, this time there were plenty out doing the complete track both biking and hiking with full packs I imagine the huts are booked up.
The main track is enjoyable and easy with recent rain, waterfalls, Tui, Robin, and a baby goat, some relics remain on the side of the track but sadly not many.
When we stayed last year it was very quiet, this time there were plenty out doing the complete track both biking and hiking with full packs I imagine the huts are booked up.
Robin
Track no longer maintained
Few bits left but not much
Frog
Tonight's stay at Murchison NZMCA
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