This is what we saw, as we traveled along the west coast to the town of Westport, on the New Zealand’s south island.

 

Photos on our route:

When we left Fox Glacier, we used highway number 6, but didn’t turn off for the Franz Josef Glacier, because we had to get to Westport by late afternoon and book in with our lodgings there.

On the move photos! 

So there wasn’t much time to stop and take photos along. So, most of the photos were again taken on the move.  

This time, I wasn’t the only one trying to capture scenes, while the car was moving. It sort of became a game to see what we could catch. So forgive our wild attempts.

 

When we got to Westport:

We searched out where our bookings were. On finding it, we discovered the place was actually a crowded backpacker’s place! 

And so PACKED!

It was full of young people! Mingling between the crowds we found the owner and checked in. 

The rooms we were given were varied, because the whole complex surrounding the main old house was had higgly-piggly additions. There were even caravans alongside the place that could be hired for lodging rooms! 

Our family were given some back rooms near the office. And my husband and I were given a extravagant bedroom with a bay-window, in the front of the old house! It was so comfy, we felt so special. 

The festivity and oddity of the place!

After unpacking we tried to find our way around the residence, where the toilets and showers, etc were.  

People didn’t seem to mind that there weren’t enough chairs. Everyone somehow was setup, doing their thing… absolutely everywhere, any spare spot they could find! 

The place hummed with activity. Some were partying, a few dancing to music, even a couple propped up against a wall working on their laptops and talking to those close to them. 

There was also a room set aside for those who wanted to watch movies. It seemed such a happy house, full of folks laughing and happily jostling in and out everywhere. And in the courtyard were funky murals. It seems the owner knew how to accommodate for young people! 

Dining out:

Our family asked where the nearest restaurant was. And so we were guided to walk a few blocks up the road northward, in the twilight of the early evening. The restaurant was exceptional. 

We choose a long table on the glassed-in veranda. When our food was served, it came still cooking on hot flat rectangle stones!  

Each person had their own hot stone `plate’ put before them, with our steaks sizzling before us! I had never seen this before, so with large surprise eyes, I surveyed mine. 

With drinks and salads to complete the dramatic meal, we had a good time. I cherish that evening. I enjoyed it so much. It was such fun to unwind after travelling most of the day. 

The next day:

We went down to the beach at Westport, before travelling on again. I will tell you all about that in my next New Zealand travel blog. Also included in that next blog, is another oil painting I did…