Hanmer Springs to Greymouth 18th November, 2020

Woke up this morning and the start of the predicted rain came. Left Hanmer Springs about 10am after a drive around town and then to continue over the Lewis Pass to Greymouth..

Looking through the top end of town.

 

On our way out of town

The old Hanmer Springs hotel which had to close down re Covid 19. Very sad to see such a beautiful building and grounds left like this. At least it is being well maintained.

We are on the road again rain heavy but will continue to take photos anyway.

Stopped on the side of the Grey River to make some lunch. The weather was now starting to clear . Great as we were expecting it to be wet all day.

The above looking down the river. Below looking up the river where we had lunch.

Continuing on

Prime West Coast real estate.

Entering the township of Reefton very old buildings.

Stopped at this cafe for a coffee really quaint inside.

Looking back up town, nice old Pub. Too early for a beer!!

A couple of cute little houses in Reefton.

Next town was a small place called Ahaura. This is homeowners front garden with the carvings!!

Above and below, about 10km inland from Greymouth is Brunner Mine. 

Looking down over the bridge leading to the mine which you can see the ruins behind the bridge. We didn’t go down to see the ruins as several years ago we walked around the historic reserve and explored the pit-head machinery and many of the old kilns and tunnels.

Although they first reported coal in the area in 1848 the production of firebricks and coke began at Brunnertown in 1891 which was the largest coalmining settlement in New Zealand. In 1896 Brunner was the country worst mining disaster when a gas explosion killed 185 men and boys working underground. The last of the coal was brought out of the mines in 1906.

We have now arrived in Greymouth, just drove through town  straight out to the breakwater where all the boats come from the river out to sea. When the winds blow like today it looks way too dangerous to attempt the big seas. Above looking along the foreshore from the begining of the breakwater.

Further along the breakwater. The waves are far bigger than they look in the photo. Some of the waves washed over the rocks onto the road. Quite scarey and very noisey. 

Looking back south along the coast.

Out at the end of the breakwater. This is about as far as you would want to go. This is on the other side of the breakwater where the boats come in at the mouth of the Grey River. The waves are all over the place and huge. The photos just don’t show how high and severe the waves really are.

Across over to the northern side of the entrance. All very exciting.

We left Greymouth at about 3.30pm and drove north for 10mins to stay  at the Donollie Hotel. Little pub in a small settlement which was a good way to see how the true west coast people are. Not only a very  old hotel but they have facilities for campervans  to hook up to power in behind the hotel with the use of the hotel ablutions. 

The little old pub in Donollie. The locals are arriving for their evening get together. We won’t join them as it has been a long day driving, including stops so just  relaxing tonight.