From the Forest to the Coast

Thursday 10 April

Waking up in Peel Forest to a golden sunrise and a choir of birdsong was just a joy - despite the incredibly cold temperatures.

We decided to take advantage of the early morning sunshine and take a walk to Acland Falls before check out. The falls were ok, but the highlight again was the bird life - at one point we were surrounded by a dozen or more piwakawaka (fantails) flitting around us and showing us their beautiful tails. We also spotted my first little black & white South Island robin and were serenaded by several bell birds 🎶

Hitting the road, we wound back down to the coast past paddocks of deer, cows and sheep - you could aways tell which fields the deer would be in as the fences were twice the height of the others! As usual, we stopped In Ashburton for diesel, Kmart & sushi before pressing on to Rakaia Huts - our home for 2 nights. A very quiet campsite that operated on the Penny Card, but we did get a wonderful welcome from Bailey the border collie puppy on the next door pitch 🖤

Took a stroll out to the stony beach to watch the waves crashing in and watched sunset over the inlet before treating ourselves to BBQ sirloin for dinner.