Our next destination was Punakaiki in the Paparoa National Park (www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/west-coast/places/paparoa-national-park) on the west coast of the south island. It is a relatively new – only established in 1987.

We checked into the Punakaiki Tavern which was located on the Tasman Sea coast.

Our first hike was along the Pororari River Track which included crossing a wobbly suspension bridge – the first of several on this trip.

After a walk through the forest, we joined the river side path.

After this short walk we visited the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. The Pancake Rocks are eroded limestone rocks that look like stacks of pancakes.

The downside of the excellent weather was that the blow holes were not active.

After our brief one night stay in Punakaiki on 19th March, we set off south in search of glaciers.