Bealey Spur

Arthur's Pass through the Southern Alps had reopened after the recent snow fall. There was still plenty of the white stuff on the hills. I hiked up Bealey Spur to get a better view; sometimes walking through snow over a foot deep. Luckily someone had already trodden the path so I was able to step in their footprints. Super views.

Mt Robert

I fine looking mountain, and like me there was a bit of snow on the top. There were lots of rainbows on the route today, including one over the lake at the bottom of the mountain.
Initially I was walking through cloud so it felt like the Lake District. It brightened up for the descent, so I got a good view of the lake below.

Wine Country

Drive through the Marlborough wine region. Vineyard, after vineyard. Even recognised a couple of the names, such as Cloudy Bay pictured below.

To the South Island

I caught the ferry to the South Island. In the left of the picture you can see Wellington's rugby stadium, know as the Cake Tin.

Wellington pad

Had dinner with Greg and Jane (friends of James in Walberswick), watched the rugby. Great to have some home cooked New Zealand lamb. They have a super pad overlooking Wellington.

Rimutaka Forest

I went for a hike through the Rimutaka forest, just north of Wellington. I followed a track back but I don't think it was the one I was supposed to. Still I made it back ok.
I love the fern trees, makes the forests feel very prehistoric.

Castlepoint

A stunning spot and I was treated to some sunshine. Hardly anyone else around, just a couple if surfers.