The entire QCT extends about 20-30 miles. A worthwhile multi-day trek to be sure, but we did only about 7 or 8 miles in total. We were able to mosey on over to the trail because we knew the hike would take only about 3 or 4 hours. We scheduled an advance return trip on a water taxi to allow us a longer trip. Basically, we would hike to a point and the water taxi would pick us up and return us to our destination, instead of worrying about the return hike.
The trail itself was well-maintained, which meant hiking it was a breeze. We were able to see some stunning views of the nearby sound.
In addition, we saw the ubiquitous national plant – the silver fern. You will notice it on the jersey of the All Blacks and other national affiliations. Silver ferns take their name from the color of the underside of the leaf being silver with the top being green, as most other ferns are.
Llamas, on the other hand, I don’t know what their deal is. I’m pretty sure they’re not any country’s national symbol, and I’m willing to bet they’re not on sports jerseys either. But, hey, they’re funny looking. Plus their names are spelled funny. Get a good laugh out of that picture, I’m sure llamas get made fun of by other animals too. (Donkey: “Don’t you realize you get made fun of by other animals for being bizarre looking and having a strange name? :::Snort::: Llama: “You’re an ass.”)
At the end of the hike we ate lunch in the picturesque Misteltoe Bay. Not much going on in Mistletoe Bay except the usual amazingly clear and beautiful emerald green water with stunning mountain profiles and surrounding vegetation. Yawn. If I had a dollar for every lake, sound, etc. that I’ve seen like that…
The water taxi scooped us up and returned us to where we started the hike. Along the way the water taxi treated us to a nice boat ride through the sound.
We saddled up our Toyota golf cart and began the 4 hour drive along the coast. Our destination was Christchurch, full circle from our sojourn on the South Island. Driving can be annoying. Nevertheless, the trip to Christchurch included a scenic ride alongside the eastern coast of the South Island.
This eastern coast was impressively beautiful. The east coast should be relatively similar to the west coast of the South Island. But because the east coast is on the other side of the South Island’s mountain range, the east coast receives much less precipitation. [See rainy/foggy pictures from 1/2/2010] In addition, I believe the coastal waters along the east are calmer. The waters certainly were today.
The coastal area around Kikoura was unbelievable. Heading north and east from the beaches will put you at about Fiji. Rougher surf would be expected, but the waves were tame and the seas were calm. Except for a few differences, including black sand, I figure this area probably resembles the Californian coast before extensive development. We even saw seals like out in Cali.
The drive finished with our arrival into Christchurch. We didn’t have a chance to partake in nighttime activities because the usual responsibilities (meal preparation/laundry) needed attention. We will check out Christchurch tomorrow.
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