NEW ZEALAND SOUTH ISLAND DAY 8 , NOV 1999

 

NEW ZEALAND SOUTH ISLAND 

Day 8

26 Nov 1999

Nelson and Westport

This was the start of our adventure in the South Island.  The route is driving south on the West coast. Starting from Picton to Nelson, Westport, Punakaiki, Fox Glacier, Haast, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound and ended at Invergargill.

Picton to Invercargill

Invercargill to Christchurch

Before leaving Nelson, we drove along the northern coast and saw Rock Cave of Nelson. 

The drive to Westport was about 2 hours. 

We had booked a caving adventure in West Port, “Underworld rafting“ which also include trekking  in cave and floating on the underground river. The name of the cave is Metro Cave. Our guide's name was Glen. 

We had to wear diving gear with boots, gloves and cave helmets. Each of us had to carry an inflated rubber tyre. The tyre was for floating on underground river.

We had to trek up a hill for about 500 metres before entering the cave. Thereafter, we walked over pebbles, rocks, mud and flowing stream. Some section of the cave was very narrow and the guides demonstrated what real darkness was when the torches were switched off. We walk through numerous caves and came to the exit which was also a shallow river. At this point, our guide told us to to sit in the rubber float we had lugged all the way. Looking skyward, up on the ceiling of the cave were thousands of small light emitted by the glow worms, It was a very spectacular light show which we never forget even after more than 20 years. Unfortunately, we had no camera to capture this awesome moment. Mei was nine years old and making through this adventure was really impressive.

We earned a good night rest. We stayed at Westport Bella Vista Motel.