"It's the journey not the destination" - Ralph Waldo Emerson.
I gripped the stirring wheel of our family bat mobile. It was Day 13 of our 1 month family road trip in New Zealand.
Alert, I followed the suggested speed signs on the road to the hilt and gave way to any car who couldn't wait to get to their destination faster. I wanted to visually digest every landscape that we came across during our drive from Motueka to Punakaiki.
Much to everyone's dismay, each time I spotted a lookout signage, I slowed down and parked the car. Being the designated driver of the day, I relished in the power and authority that I could stop the car at any time. I made excuses at rest areas for much needed toilet breaks and leg stretches while taking advantage of the view that these lookout areas possess with my camera phone.
Keep left. Extra concentration was needed to ensure I always drove on the left hand side of the road. We were on Kawatiri Murchison Highway (State Highway 6).
Sometimes, my fear of heights kicked in, whenever I drive next to steep and narrow cliff side roads that require good engine brake control during hill descent. I shivered staring down at ravines with the stirring wheel under my grip. In these situations, I found myself pulling over at a safe place to stop and hand over the reins to Yohann.
If you have more time and craving for a quickie adrenaline rush, there is the Buller Gorge River Swing. After more than three hours of driving on State Highway 6, we took a detour towards Seal Colony Road for a visit to Cape Foulwind Seal Colony.
Cape Foulwind Seal Colony is a breeding colony of fur seals on Tauranga Bay. Not far from the parking area, there is a winding flat and undulating self-guided coastal track of 1.5 hour walk one way. It reveals a panoramic view of the mountain, rugged coastline, a lighthouse, and elevated viewing platforms to observe fur seals in their natural habitat. The best times to see seals are from November to February.
Spot the seals at Cape Foulwind Seal Colony.
We happily returned to our family bat mobile to retrieve our picnic basket. We sat on a nearby bench for our quick family lunch of leftover salad and sandwiches. There were cheeky seagulls that chased Anais and followed us around. We had another hour of driving left before we reach Punakaiki. The coastal drive was all on me. A quick gulp of coffee and I was good to go. In case you are interested to watch the video, click here
To be continued..