Westport & Lake Mahinapua

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The drive from Nelson to Westport was bit disappointing as was torrential rain so saw very little of the Nelson Lakes area but had to stop instead just at the visitor centre, which was little bit dull but filled some time and got us out of the rain! Only had one more stop en route, which was for some lunch and to pick up some more passengers. We arrived into Westport in the middle of the afternoon and I'd signed up to do a jetboat ride there so on arriving got kitted out for that. Was a local man running the boat and as small operation rather than big company was a really different experience, for example the boat was towed down to the river in the guy's tractor with us in it which was defintely bit unique! Was a fun trip but while the weather was ok when we started it got rapidly worse and ended up being really bad and even had hail as lots of heavy rain! Definitely got more wet from the weather rather than the jetboat! Enjoyed it though despite the weather and was good value for money as the trip lasted couple of hours. Lucky with our dorm room at the hostel as we had our own kitchen as well as sofa and TV. Was really nice as all had nice chilled evening together watching TV, felt very homely for a hostel!

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Set off from Westport and starting making our way down the west coast. When we made out first stop for walk at Seal Colony I realised I left my handbag with money, passport & camera and all at the hostel so started to panic a bit! I was really lucky though as the lady at the hostel had found it and ended up bringing it down to where the coach had stopped and gave it to the bus driver Bods, so had it returned to me quickly! Was really grateful so when stopped at next town called Greymouth just sent her little card to say thanks. As weather had picked up a bit were able to do a few walks, such as the Seal colony walk and then down around Pancake Rocks where also had some lunch. In greymouth we also went to Salvation Army shop to get stuff for the costume party. our theme was bad taste so just got worse clothes could find! At Lake Mahinapua there was very little to do as such an out of the way place, hence the need to have a fancy dress party as a bit of a distraction. The Pub we were staying at was near both a Lake and the Sea so had quick look at those but other than that spent the evening at the Pub where they had cheap drinks and also had a free barbecue. The party itself was quite funny, as there were some enterataining costumes with prizes for the best ones!