Diary 5th January & Images
Journey to Reefton

Friday 5^th January.

I asked Ernst, the proprietor, as he was serving breakfast if he would call a taxi for me. When I arrived at NZ Motorcycle Rental's office I asked the chap at the reception desk if I could see Gordon Lidgard, the owner. He arrived from the workshop within a few minutes and we greeted each other. He turned out to be a very pleasant and affable gentleman. Slim built and wearing a shirt and slacks I inquired about my trip yesterday. I told him how enjoyable my Transalpine train trip had been and enthused about the wonderful scenery before querying my itinerary with him.

He pointed out why Stefan had probably arranged things so that I was going North first and then South afterwards rather than a circular tour, which seemed more logical to me. When I asked about the possibility of making changes he pointed out that it would be difficult for me to cover the journey back to Picton if I were to stayover in Te Anau to do a scuba dive but he was willing to arrange it if was what I really wanted. Gordon, being a diver himself and having dived there, mentioned that the water in Te Anau would be colder than I had been used to in Cairns and Sydney. On reflection I decided to leave things as they were.

I went to Apex Car Hire in Lichfield Street to pick up my four-wheel-drive Saburu. The guy who saw to my needs was one of the most charming people I have met recently. When it turned out to be a dark blue estate vehicle I was a little disappointed as I was expecting a saloon. However it would be easier to use as a wardrobe. I had already decided that I wouldn't be carrying all my bags into the B & B's each night.

I drove out of Christchurch at midday heading north. I'd barely travelled a few miles along the main road and was overtaking some dawdling, slow-moving traffic when a police officer pulled me over. He accused me of driving too quickly in such heavy traffic. I laughed and told him that I live in southeast England where they have heavy traffic. This was like a Sunday afternoon. He was charming and continued on his way.	I found myself driving through wonderful scenery and passed through the Balmoral Forest pine plantation with the road westward continually but gradually rising over open country to the Hanmer Springs junction. I passed over the high bridge where they do bungy jumping to get a couple of photographs.	Beneath the bridge there is Jetboating and River rafting available and I saw a boat messing about on the river and in the distance the Hanmer the winding its way in between the mountains.
This is my hired vehicle which I left parked	while I went to the edge to shoot this wonderful panorama	The road now predominantly rises as it passes round high bluffs and through birch forest before entering the picturesque Lewis Pass at 940 m.
Passing snow topped mountains on the way I continued and followed the road downhill	until I came to Maruia Springs. This map shows the route I took.	Set high in native forest covered mountains with spectacular views the Thermal Resort offers total relaxation.
There are three natural outdoor rock pools of varying temperatures and a cold plunge pool, surrounded by Gardens. These pools are chemical free and this man is clearly enjoying the therapeutic relaxing qualities of the water.	I too decided to benefit from the relaxation offered after my long drive and was quite surprised as the water is hotter than the average bath.	The road continues through bush and before long the valley widens out and I was at the Springs Junction intersection. Here I stopped for an ice cream as it was a hot sunny day and I felt parched.
Then following Route 7 I took this picture at I was leaving the Springs Junction and drove over the Rahu saddle through birch forest and descended in easy grades through shady woodlands following the Inangahua river until	I came into Reefton. This is the village high street. It was the first town in the Southern Hemisphere to have electric street lighting, even before New York.	I was booked into the Reef Cottage B&B. I parked car outside
I was greeted after ringing the doorbel by Ronnie Standfield, the owner, a very pleasant chap who showed me to my room	The guest kitchen which is available at all times leads out onto a private garden which may also be used by guests. It's almost like being at home.	In the evening Ronnie, seen here cooking, prepared a barbecue for his family and invited myself and
Josh, who runs a computer business in Wellington,	and his travelling companion Kenna, both guests at the bed and breakfast for a couple of nights to join him.	After cooking some delicious burgers and sausages he joined his wife Susan and their children and we had a delicious meal.

After we finished eating Ronnie discussed my itinerary with me and Josh, who told us he was travelling south next day to Fox Glacier and suggested it would be a wonderful trip for me if I were to stop off there also. He pointed out it is on my northward leg of the round trip. Susan quickly explained as she studied my schedule that I would not have time to do this unless I changed my itinerary. Discussing this with them farther I discovered that by making one alteration to my plans I could fit this in, although it would make for a very long drive the previous day. Ronnie agreed with Josh that it would enhanced enormously my holiday enjoyment but this could not be done if I stayed in Wanaka on the 12th of January as the distances involved were prohibitive.

Caught up by Josh's enthusiasm I now wanted to go onto the Fox Glacier and Ronnie suggested that I cancel my B&B in Wanaka. He made some telephone inquiries for me and I was able to book an alternative accommodation at Fox Glacier. This would allow me to take a helicopter flight on the morning of the 13th, spend some time on the Glacier and fly back again whilst still having time to motor north to Westport. I telephoned Gordon to seek his approval for these changes and he told me that he himself had done this particular trip and it was well worthwhile. He could foresee no problem provided the Reflection Lodge at Fox Glacier would accept my voucher and he would cancel my Wanaka B&B for me. I was delighted and thanked him.

When I phoned back to confirm that they would accept a voucher the lady there told me she did not take them and was about to cancel the booking when Ronnie signalled that I should pass the phone over to him. "Excuse me but I would like you to talk with someone before you make a final decision. May I pass you over?" I asked.
"Well alright ." was the rather hesitant reply and I gave Ronnie the instrument.
He went into his office and it was some seven minutes later when he emerged. "What took so long?" asked Susan.
"She had a bad experience with a company before that had messed her about," he told his wife, "but I had a good chat with her and your booking is confirmed and everything should be Ok for you." he addressed me as he finished.
"Thank you so much for all the help and advice you have given me this evening. How much do I owe you for those telephone calls?" I asked.
"Nothing. That's fine. I am glad I was able to help." He pulled another bottle of beer from his crate. " Have another beer now it's all fixed up."
It had been a fabulous day and such a neat ending gave me a feeling of great well-being, joy and happiness. I was really so grateful and impressed by this kindness.

They had all been so very helpful to me that I found it almost unbelievable and with a light heart I left the barbecue at 2130 to come and update my diary.

Click on to follow story.