viaduct to shift a waterfall from pouring over the road
Heading away from the coast, we aimed for Arthur's Pass to settle in on Saturday night, hoping the Easter Bunny would manage to find us nestled in the mountains.
Surprise surprise, another spectacular drive with more jaw dropping scenery.
Away from the landslide zone, this road winds for a bit just above the river.
Viaduct Lookout, also known as Death's Corner. At the top, there are vehement signs: DO NOT FEED THE KEA. This is allegedly a favorite hangout spot for them to come stir up trouble in the area. They are known to be one of the smartest parrot species, and the juveniles are very prone to make mischief just for fun. It's probably why I feel a kindred spirit with them.
The memorial to Sir Arthur Dudley Dobson, who lead the first party of Europeans across the pass to the west coast in 1864.
This is the cozy little group of cottages where we were staying in the wee town. LOVED it here. The proprietors were as welcoming as you can find.
What do we do when you're settled into a cozy cabin for the night? Have shadow puppet wars, of course! Doesn't everyone?
Okay. How typical is this? The 14 year old checking out her sister's easter basket before she even scopes out her own.
You know what's impossible to find in New Zealand? Plastic Easter Eggs. Not to be deterred, however, we had an Easter Rock hunt. It was actually good fun, and the girls didn't protest TOO much about the rocks not being filled with chocolate.
After chocolate, rocks, and breakfast (in that order) we went out to do some exploring.
Yeah, haven't seen a kiwi either. I think the majority of New Zealanders have never seen a kiwi. They are quite shy and nocturnal. But loud! If you're in the bush long enough, you're bound to hear one, even if it's on the other side of the mountain.
We have, however, seen a ridiculous number of staggeringly beautiful waterfalls.
Another Misty Mountain shot.
More waterfalls.
Two girls trying to give me a stroke by sitting on a rail that dangles over a precipice and drops a couple hundred feet to the bush below.
The old train tunnel was carved out by hand a hundred years ago, and took about 10 years to be completed. It was hewn from each end, and is about 8 kilometers long. And it's still in use.
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