Lake Mahinapua

Today we started off at 9:30am and are heading to Lake Mahinapua. The drive is considered one of the top 10 drives in the world. We happen to be lucky with the weather and it's crystal clear blue skies. We started off with an hr hike just around the coast and up to a lighthouse in Taranga Bay. It was breathtaking! Then we stopped for a look at the Foulwinds seal colony. When we got to the hotel we found out just how big it is. There is a total population of 1. This 86 yr old man who has some trailers to sleep in, blankets to rent and an incredibly overcooked steak. I am happy to say that I got to use the sleeping bag I've been packing around!! I also got to use the winter jacket because Nick and I went on a bit of a glow worn hunt at 12 around the lake. We went for a swim in the lake which is the color red because of the mud and stuff so it was a nervous swim but a swim none the less. We had a few beers after dinner which was $32 for accom and meal which was terrible. The man, Les, sadly didn't live up to the reputation that he has with the Kiwi Ex.

We stopped in Punakaiki which is famous for pancake rocks. It's some weird formations of the rocks that have formed over the millions of years. There's a few pics that I took while there. Also me with an awesome possum hat! Soft...

The Lord of the Rings update: the part in the 3rd movie where they light the beckons it is all through the Franz Joseph glacier and up the southern alps. I would love to do a scenic heli tour but I don't have an extra $400!! Thing are pricey!