West Coast to Conway Flat Canterbury South Island 2023
West Coast to Conway Flat
Canterbury South Island 2023
New Zealand
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Murchison
We decided to quit the west coast after so much rain, damp weather, and more on the forecast. I finally researched to find we had picked the wettest month to visit, we are backtracking to have a night in Murchison. | ||
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The second stop was St Arnaud but this year we are not staying at Lake Rotoiti because dogs are prohibited, the area is controlled by Doc and dogs can't even be in the car to visit.
The Beechnest POP in town is Pet Friendly and on gravel so suitable for all weather. We were going to stay at Teetotal Doc Campsite just up the road but the camp was in the shade, the frost was still on the ground at midday and looked uninviting a shame because of the walking tracks where the dogs could go.
We have done all the tracks in previous years but did want to drive up Mt Robert now we have the Jimny.
Mt Robert
Taylor River Reserve
Waima (Ure) River
Kaikoura
South Side
Useful Links:
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We wouldn't take our Motorhome up here but there was one big motorhome and heaps of sliders that managed the narrow steep road, not sure how they managed to pass that motorhome though.
Blenheim
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| The views at the top |
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Next stop Blenheim staying at the racecourse is always a pleasant experience. It has everything we need and this time we used the laundry that has washers and dryers, or clotheslines if the weather is fine.
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Dogs are allowed off-leash and it is a pleasant walk alongside the river.
Ward Beach
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The next stop was Ward Beach but we decided not to stay, like Teetotal the camp was in total shade and look uninviting at this time of year. We had lunch in the car park and then moved on.
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| Chancet POP in the shade so no solar power |
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| Ward Beach |
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| Ward Beach |
Someone told us about this spot for freedom camping that isn't on any of the apps so we were the only ones here it was lovely.
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| Heaps of space |
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| Down at the river |
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| Windpower |
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| Where the river meets the sea |
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| From camp to a little bay 4.7km return |
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| Lexi decided to brave the cold water |
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| Another walk along the river |
A good place to top up the batteries on power, the bar and restaurant are closed until further notice.
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| Sunrise every morning here was stunning |
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Took the dogs for a walk over on the Southside
Mt Fyffe
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Next day a walk up Mt Fyffe the dogs loved it.
Conway Flat
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| View on the way down |
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| It is a short walk but plenty of heart pumping on the incline |
Scenic road trip today along the Kaikoura Coast stopping at Conway Flat POP, a kind farmers' paddock right on the cliff edge overlooking the ocean.
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| Camp Site |
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| View from camp |
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| View on a walk up the road |
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Next: Christchurch