Sunday 20th February - Kaikaura to Springfield
Aurora_b
Mike and Liz Downing
Wed 23 Mar 2011 09:23
Having stayed 2 nights at Kaikura, it was south again towards
Christchurch, but turning west before we reached it to head inland towards the
Southern Alps and Arthur's Pass. The Alps run down most of the length of
the South Island on the western side. From Christchurch the only way
through the Alps to the west coast is via Arthur's Pass, but we
decided to stop for the night in the foothills of the Alps at a very small
village called Springfield and drive up into the pass the next day. Our aim has
been to drive approximately 100 to 150 miles each morning and arrive around
lunchtime or early afternoon, depending on how many photo stops we make along
the route, and then explore the area on foot if we can, or by car if we
can't. So yet another different motel - with just 3 units this time, so
it's very quiet and the star attraction is a field of 7 alpacas (like lamas but
a bit smaller and a lot cuter). The other attraction is the railway line that
runs right next to the motel - the transalpine railway which carries the
transalpine express - a scenic train ride through the Alps from Christchurch on
the east coast to Greymouth on the west coast. It has special viewing cars, but
only runs once in each direction per day. So we stood by and waved as it went
passed and, a bit like the Railway Children, the passengers waved
back!
A braided river we crossed close to Springfield. A
braided river is formed when the rivers come down
from the mountains and in flood bring lots of
broken rock and stones that get left when the river
slows
down. The river then weaves it's way, sometimes in
many channels, through the rocks and stones. NZ
has many very wide braided
rivers.
Our motel - just 3
chalets!
The Alpacas at the bottom of the garden - very
inquisitive and intrigued at us new arrivals.........
...... and cute too!
A planning meeting of the executive committee!
Where do we go next then? The alpacas had lost
interest by this point!
Not a bad view from the chalet verandah!
Alpacas in the foreground, Alps in the background.
The Transalpine train - 2 engines are required to
haul the train across the Alps over Arthur's Pass,
taking
it from Christchurch on the east coast to
Greymouth on the west coast and
back again.
Open and closed passenger carriages give
passengers a great view.
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