Greymouth
From Pancake Rocks we drove an hour to Greymouth. We drove out on the breakwater at the end of the channel, where they have a dangerous river bar that has caused many shipwrecks. I spotted a good birdwatching area that I wanted to visit but Tony wanted to go to the Monteith's Ale House. So, I dropped him off there and went to my "duck pond". There were more than 10 species of ducks and shorebirds; the most amazing was the dozen or so of black swans and their cygnets (babies). I enjoyed walking around the pond and photographing all the different birds and ducks.
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We stayed at Sue and Don's AirBNB and enjoyed learning more about the area over a nice dinner out. From there, we toured Hokitika, which was only 20 minutes away.
Hokitika
Hokitika was a Moari settlement before the bustling gold rush days. Today, Hokitika is a small town with a bustling arts and crafts center. We visited the museum to learn about the history of Hokitika including the gold rush. The main attraction is all the stores selling Greenstone, which is a nephrite jade, only found in southern NZ. So, of course, we had to go shopping for greenstone!
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We took a tour to learn about the greenstone and see the carvers at work. Greenstone was treasured by the Moari people for its "mana" or spiritual powers of strength, prosperity, protection, growth and harmony. Greenstone is a nephrite jade, only found in southern NZ. Only the Moari people are allowed to sell greenstone. But, anyone can go to the nearby Arahura River to search for greenstone and, if you find it, you are allowed to keep it; you just can't sell it. They say, you don't find greenstone; it finds you!
They make statues, jewelry, and many other things out of greenstone. There are spiritual meanings behind the carvings. The Hei Matau carving (Fish Hook) is for determination, strength, peace prosperity and safe journey especially over water. Lots of sailors wear fish hook pendants. My favorite, the Koru carving (Spiral) is for new life or beginning, growth, harmony and peace.
Cheers! GT