This is haast beach just across the road from our motel.

We woke up to sunshine and 18*c. The wind has dropped and we have blue skies. What a different day from yesterday!

Haast looks so good today. We can see the tops of the mountains behind us and everything has dried up.

We first retraced our journey through the Gates of Haast and up to the blue pools and to explore all the waterfalls and the valleys.

We first stopped to see a waterfall called Roaring Billy. You walk for 15 mins through a beautiful rainforest to reach a sight of it across the wide fast flowing river Haast.

It is very impressive as you can see.

We stopped at a rest area to take some views of the river and the valley. The noise of the insects was deafening.

Blue Pools stop. We made the mistake of parking on the furthest park from them. We walked up the hillside and down for about 20 mins only to reach the road and the easier parking. From here it was another half hour walk to the river and rope bridges over the blue water. The wire rope bridges were fun to go over as they bounced as everyone moved along them. Only 10 people were allowed on the bridge at a time.

It was like a beach down there. The water was freezing but brave people were swimming and sunbathing. We stayed there a long time. The return walk was all uphill! I’m proud we managed it so well and enjoyed the walk.

Lunch was at the nearest cafe and cups of tea we were thirsty.

On the way down the beautiful road ….and it really descends for 50+ miles! We stopped at view points and waterfalls and did a few little walks to reach the view points. The road is incredible and not at all scary when it is good weather!

This is the Gates of Haast

We are tired now and chilling out watching the TV . Wifi and Tv lost signals all yesterday. Haast is a very remote town!

Hope you enjoyed the snow Anona in Sheffield? Louis and Alice had snow I know, did Oxford get any? Keep warm and well

Love to you all xxx

These are dads pictures