We set off fairly early for the trip further up north and slightly east to Jacksons, our overnight stop on our way back to Christchurch. Yes, sadly, we are on our way home and have a flight to catch on Friday afternoon.
This is an unspoilt part of the country and largely untouched by human hand. We meet other campervan travellers (Maui, Britz, Backpacker and the garish mauve and green of Jucy rentals), but not much else.
We stopped at Ross for a cup of coffee and an excellent piece of oat slice. Not much goes on there, it would appear.
The countryside on this journey continued for some time to be the high walls of impenetrable vegetation on either side of the road; however, gradually, it gave way to lower, flatter farmland, with lots of bright orange montbretia lining the roads; this in turn gave way to more dense rain forest vegetation as we turned in land at Kumara Junction and headed towards Arthur’s Pass.
We arrived at Jacksons Retreat to find that it certainly lives up to its name. There would appear to be only two other sets of campers here, although I expect it will get a little busier later this afternoon.
It is very charming and has lovely views over the Taramakau river, valley and mountains, but is up for sale, probably because it is not possible to make a living here. There is a “historical” pub about half a kilometre away which must also struggle to survive, although we helped a bit by having lunch there.
Rain is forecast for this evening, which reminds us that we have not had rain while we have been in the campervan.
Tomorrow we head for our last night in NZ which will be at the Canterbury Club in Christchurch and we will be meeting Miles, Emma and Ruari for supper.
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