The Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide
Blenheim to Westport From the wine country in the valleys of the Marlborough region we now take route 63 following the Wairau River west along the Buller River and on to the city of Westport. It is a three hour journey along the top of the North Island.This is one of only three roads going east/west through the Southern Alps. The snow capped mountains dominate the scenery and emphasises the green valleys and fields dotted with sheep. All very easily and enjoyably accessed by camper van.
It is definitely a true pastoral scene. Scattered among the fields of sheep are several beef and dairy farms along with the deer farms and an occasional alpaca or two. It is a pleasant drive with wonderful roads. The camper van takes to the trip in ease handling the curves and the roads that steadily climb upward through the foothills of the Southern Alps.
New Zealand provides lots of pull-off picnic areas everywhere and one of my favourites is a short way along the Wairau River on this road. It was time for a late breakfast so I pulled into the spot where we could sit at a picnic table by the river where we devoured steak and eggs washed down with another pot of coffee. If we had the fly rods I am afraid this would be as far as we got today. The river was in perfect condition and I could almost guarantee a trout or two at the bottom of that riffle. With the sound of the river and bird song in our ears and a full belly we reluctantly moved on. There is much more to see and do.
A few green hills and more mountains appearing in front of us as we got to the small village of Saint Arnaud where I pulled down to the shore of Lake Rotoiti. It is as picturesque a place as any you will find anywhere. They do have a camp ground on the lake and for those who enjoy the walks you could spend weeks here hiking/tramping through these forests.We fed the ducks taking some photos and moved on. Out of this lake begins the mighty Buller River that we will follow now all the way to Westport where it reaches its final destination in the Tasman Sea. This is one of the most beautiful stretches of driving in the country as the road winds through the mountains and the black beech forests. There are quite a few spots to stop along the way to take in the beauty of the place but we were running a bit late so I kept driving. The next stop was the town of Murchison known as the whitewater capital of New Zealand. Stopped here to take photos of the Buller River as it cascaded through a narrow gorge where people enjoy kayaking. For novices they provide excellent training by the way so if inclined give it a go.
There is a very nice camp ground here also, the Murchison Holiday Park, right on the river. Be sure to stop here to fuel up if you are a bit low. By the way I think this is a good time to remind you to keep the camper van topped up. In this part of the world it may be a long time between fuel stops and you sure do not want to be caught out here with an empty tank. The drive through the mountains in this area requires your attention plus the roads are narrow and confined. Not a place to run out of fuel and really not a place for the uninitiated to drive after dark. Some very narrow passages plus one-way bridges through here. The lack of traffic is a real blessing in this area.
David, as experienced as he is on the road with trucks, I think found this part of the trip rather daunting but then again it may have been I was doing the driving. I was aware of what was coming around that sharp bend where the mountain extended out over the road and the road narrowed to one lane.
​So we made it through the mountains and the Buller River expanded to a wide deep expanse of water. To me this is the most beautiful of New Zealand rivers and I still hope to come down it from its source in a canoe trying my luck at trout fishing some day.
Back up a bit to describe the drive here. At Kawatiri we got on to route 6 the only road south now all the way down the West Coast. Just beyond the turn off you will reach Gowan Bridge on the left. I have stopped in the past at the pub there and got permission to park down by the river. A beautiful spot they have provided. It is not marked so no one knows about it but you are most welcome. One of those secret spots I am revealing.
Continuing on the Owen River meets up with the Buller and the road and the river turn south through the valley before Murchison. From here on the road is quite convoluted twisting through the mountains as I said before. I like to stop at Berlins restaurant but it was closed this late in the evening so we soldiered on to make it to Westport and relax staying at the Westport Holiday Park in town. A little yak with Margaret, the manager, and we settled in for the night.
I was looking forward to a very special trip I had planned for tomorrow. One not many travelers are aware of. Another semi-secret place to visit.
(to be continued) Check out the photos on Facebook
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