New Zealand - Day 9

Today we drove to the wild west coast of the south island. The drive was pretty even though it was very rainy. 

We stopped for hike to a methane seep called Eternal Flame (although according to the guide, it does go out after a heavy rain - they just relight it).  The small no-native pine trees below are planted by the farmer to get paid for carbon sink credits. This is controversial for many reasons.  This farm also raised Red Deer for venison.  

The hike started out without too much rain, but by the time we reached the flame, it was really coming down.  The guides did warm up some cookies and marshmallows (1/2 s'mores), but called it quits before the water boiled for tea.  The hike back was extremely wet and we all were soaked to the skin by the time we reached the van.

We put on some drier clothes, had lunch, and continued our travels to Punakaiki which is right on the beach.   The road along the river is single lane carved out of the rock. 

The rain had stopped so we walked around Pancake Rocks where parts of the trail were like a Jurassic Park jungle.

The rocks were interesting as they were formed in layers and had a lot of seabirds nesting on them.

Then off to a wonderful hotel right on the beach to completely dry out and have a great dinner.