Kaikoura to Greymouth

From Kaikoura, we travelled southwards before heading westwards to Greymouth, another coastal town, 329km away.

We left the motel at 8:15am, arriving in Greymouth only at 7:20pm with many stops in between, either merely for short breaks or for sightseeing.

There was a slight drizzle in the morning, otherwise the weather was fine and scenery along the way was just beautiful and ‘eye-soothing’.

After about 4 hours of long journey, we came to Maruia Springs, a small, self-contained thermal resort on the banks of the Maruia River. Some of us went for a dip at the outdoor pool and the indoor Japanese pool. It was refreshing and relaxing.

Before arriving in Greymouth, we stopped at Punakaiki, the place famous for its ‘weird’ and unique Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.

Waiau town

Presbyterian Church, Waiau

Scenery along the way (above and below)


State highway without any other vehicles over a long
distance is quite a common sight in New Zealand.

Maruia Springs

Happy family outing, Hammer Spring

Hammer Spring town


Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes


Pancake Rocks

Stacks of thin ‘pancakes’

Close-up view of the pancake rocks


Surge Pool

Water surges into caverns below the rocks
and squirts out in geyser-like blowholes.