Punakaiki Trip

The Punakaiki Trip was very impressive for me. The Balloon Overhang was amazing and the Cave Creek Memorial made me know that the power of nature was unpredictable.

Punakaiki is on the West Coast, between Westport and Greymouth. We arrived in the afternoon, and it was cold even though it was summer. We stayed at the holiday House for two nights and camped at the Balloon Overhang one night.

After discussing our trip, we walked the beach and turned left to the Pancake Rocks which is a very popular tourist destination at the Dolomite Point.The rocks are limestone formations that began forming 30 million years ago and they looked like pancakes. We stood on the top of the rock to see the gorgeous ocean. When there’s a big sea running the blowholes are spectacular. It was sunset while we were walking back and the beach was colorful and getting dark.

The trip was easy and pretty. We crossed a swing bridge which was interesting,then walked in the forest. The weather was just nice, sunny and warm. Finally we walked down the steep, narrow chasm of Cave Creek which was surrounded by moss-covered rocks and trees. It was wet, muddy and slippery because the stream emerges from underneath rocks in several places near here. Di went ahead to explored more and took some excellent photos but I was scared when I thought of the tragedy- Thirteen students from Tai Poutini Polytechnic and one DOC staff member died when a platform they were standing on collapsed into a chasm here on 28 April 1995. I felt sad for them and wanted to show respect to the power of nature.

When we came back, it was still early so we went to the Truman Track to sense the beautiful sub-tropical rainforest featuring ferns, nikau palms and rimu. It was a pretty, cool rainforest park. And it emerges onto a headland with stunning views. We could see the beautiful landscape completely.

We started from the car park at the Pororari bridge. There is no formed track except the river bed. At first we followed the true left （south）bank, later we crossed the river numerous times. Sometimes it was shallow, sometimes it was deep or the trees had fallen down blocking the bank. It was hard to keep balance because we carried a heavy big bag. Some members walked fast, some were slow, but we had to be at the Balloon Overhang before sunset. If we couldn’t make sure how deep the river was, C ,who was very fit, always went ahead to check for us. Unfortunately, she fell into the river and got wet.

Even though I was cautious while I was crossing the river, I did enjoy the spectacular landscape of limestone towers or walls which reflected on the river. Furthermore, the Balloon Overhang was the largest, finest limestone, which I have never seen before. We were very excited to camp under the Ballroom Overhang. While I lay in my tent, some young people were playing guitar, singing and laughing with the sound of the river. I thought that if the Balloon Overhang collapsed, we might die there. However, I felt peaceful and slept well.

I want to give thanks to the Waimea Tramping Club and our leader Di. Because of them, I could join the wonderful trip. 29-31/1/2021