Hokitika Field-Trip 23-25 February 2018
Field-Trip Guide: Carolyn
Field-Trip report by: Caro
Twelve from CHCH plus one former and one present Coaster met up in Hokitika for a weekend of photography and friendship.
Once through the alps, the damage from the recents cyclones became apparent with trees randomly snapped or completely down but the weather was great and the sunset, just a few minutes walk from the motel complex, really surpassed expectations, after the bank of clouds on the horizon was set off by spectacular rays above and below.
Next morning at 5.30 alarms were cursed at, but we all made it to the Mahinapua creek for the dawn cruise. Two hours on board really flew by as we tried to capture the serenity and timeless beauty of the waterway and lake. There was great excitement as the resident heron was spied – it posed beautifully for us, especially on the return trip.
For the rest of the day, most separated to do their own thing: visiting Lake Kaniere, where fungi fascinated many, then a long detour to Dorothy Falls, the Hokitika Gorge, where the sandflies had heard we were coming, Lake Mahinapua and finally to the beach again for sunset.
Unfortunately, rain curtailed our planned walks near Blue Spur on Sunday morning but the Tunnel walkway near Goldsborough was enjoyed by most of the group. Three of us then went to Londonderry Rock and the Historic Swimming Pool near Kumara – well-worth the stop.
Oh, and I forgot to mention that we saw the Aurora – where we enjoyed a very nice evening meal.
A huge Thank You to Carolyn for an extremely well-researched and planned itinerary. We hope you enjoy our photos on the website.
Caro
To view more images please visit Flickr
