New Zealand South Island road trip 2025 – Bruce bay

On a massive high from Franz Josef Glacier we take a tip from Maya and head for Bruce Bay to find a camp for the night.

Maya explained not only was it a great freedom camp but in local Maori legend, Bruce Bay was where the semi mythical Māui first landed in New Zealand.

To gain land Māui had to kill the two Taniwah that guarded the bay. The name of the headland at the western end of the bay, Heretaniwha means “to tie up the monster”).

Archaeological evidence points to human occupation back to the 14th century and mind boggling in modern times Maya’s family farm has been there from the start….

Anyhoo it was a great spot to finally catch a west coast sunset.

And with the sunset the clouds dispersed and I took the opportunity of dark sky and milky ways.

But we didn’t stay up too late as we wanted an early start the next day to explore the waterfalls of Haast Pass.

New Zealand South Island Road trip 2025- Hokitika Sunset point and glowworms

From Hokitika Gorge we slip back into town and head to Sunset point for diner in the van.

I’d never seen the sunset over the ocean before, Unfortunately the cloud cover closed in an all but blocked it out.

Not to be discouraged I thought I’d try my hand at some more arty farty photos at the memorial and art works.

Driving into town I’d spotted a sign post for glowworms.

I know we had just done the most amazing cave tour but I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I will never not be awestruck by glowworms.

Lucky Kylie shares my fascination with the little shiny slugs with their little glowy bums.

If a cave tour sounds a bit too strenuous or clautrophobic for you I have some good news.

The Hokitika Glowworm dell is literally (Literally babes) 50m off the main highway in a shady, fern filled gully. A concrete path leads you in.

Tip: either use a red light (even a bit of coloured cellophane or contact over your torch) or hold onto the hand rails turn your torch off and let your eyes adjust.

From here it was on to a highlight in a long list of highlights from this trip Franz Josef Glacier

The Eyrie

22-01-2020

After our (my) botched attempt prior to new years we had to go back an do it properly.

For such an easy climb it has a lot of atmosphere

Life is like a box of chocolates: It doesn’t last long if you’re fat: Joe Lycett.

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