Day 6: Hokitika Gorge & The Journey Back Inland

I have to admit, I am not the safest driver, but as a highly trained one with a military driving license, I am there when it matters the most. First discovered the flat (just slightly deflated) tire the previous night. Have we travelled more than a thousand km in that state, while making those dangerous turns up and down the mountains? Guess more importantly, discovered it before any mishaps - and on behalf of everyone (my laopo and goldfish at home), I thank myself for that. Got it fixed at the auto shop while we walked across the street for breakfast.

Day 6 was rather light. Drove to nearby Hoikitika Gorge which was supposed to be redemption for not visiting the blue pool (it was pouring when we passed by blue pool on the way to Fox glacier the other day) but as usual it was cloudy, so laopo didn't get to see the blueness she expected. Plus the West Coast sandflies were at work again so we didn't stayed long. But nonetheless, this is a great attraction on its own, had it not been the other more spectacular attractions in South Island that have raised our standards.

On the way to Hoikitika Gorge
That was the end of West Coast, as we headed inland via Aurther's Pass back to Christchurch.