Our next stop along the west coast was a kiwi exclusive at a traditional pub. The history is that many years ago the Kiwi bus broke down in front of the pub. The owners fed and housed all the Kiwi passengers and had such a blast that the Kiwi bus has been stopping there ever since. There was a beach and a lake close by to occupy our afternoon.
The ocean behind the property and the lake in front.
As the area is known for its Pounamu or green stone the Pub had its own workshop. For under $20 each Jon and I were able to pick our own greenstone and then shape them into an article of choice. I chose to make a silver fern bracelet and Jon made a hammer key chain which actually came out really good. He did break his first one by “testing its strength” but they let him make a second which he decided to not tinker with. Perhaps he has a future in green stone carving?
Jon and I making our Pounamu items and our finished product.
After our delicious roast dinner was the highlight of the night. A themed party with a band. Our theme was “green” but of course Jon and I were lame and did not dress up at all. So crazy as it would have been the perfect opportunity to dress Jon up as his nickname, Shrek!
Jon and I in borrowed glasses and our amazing bus driver dressed as the green rolling hills of New Zealand with our two lovely new wee Irish friends.
Where we stayed night 10, Lake Mahinapua Hotel. We stayed in a 4-bed (real wood bunk-beds) for $50 a night each ($100 total). The price included a spectacular roast pork dinner served family style and a scrumptious pancake and bacon breakfast (our first since leaving). On tap was the special beer “LSD” which was pretty tasty as well at the cheap and choice (NZ slang) price of $9 for a small pitcher.
View of Lake Mahinapua Hotel, a classic Kiwi Pub, board detailing out activities and our accommodations.
Journey with Christina 