New Zealand - Day 10

Today we hiked about 6 miles of the Paparoa Track another of New Zealand's Great Walks.

We started with the gate to the track and wound our way through the rainforest.

There were lots of wonderful trees and ferns along this track. 

Moss 'trees' on regular moss.

Kidney Fern

Tree Fuscia

Palm with fruit hanging off the side

Along the trail we saw a native Kereru and glowworms before reaching the exit gate.

The guides were great in telling us how the Maori's used flax for clothing, nets, and ropes. 

They also discussed the use of Kawakawa for toothaches and poultices for burns and rashes. The trick is to only use leaves with holes in them because the plant uses the medicinal chemicals to chase moths away that eat it. 

After the walk we drove along the shore for a bit before heading to Moana lake for a picnic lunch and a New Zealand specialty - Meringue Cake.

Then back on the road to Arthur's Pass where we went back over to the east side of the island which is much drier.  At the pass, a Kea decided to pose on top of the van.

Looking east

Looking west

Then on to  Kura Tawhiti which is featured in the Narnia films.

We finished up the day with a drive to Methven. The landscape is so different from the rainforest we walked through this morning.