The feeling of the trip coming to an end was definitely creeping up on everyone now. We drove through the southern alps to get back to Christchurch. We made a stop in Hokitika to see the native greenstones and buy souvenirs. The tradition is that you can’t buy greenstone for yourself, but only for other people.
I personally liked black jade over green jade. :)
Castle Hill where the last of the Chronicles of Narnia was filmed.
Quick stop to take a picture with a donut at Springfield. New Zealand has its own version.
After arriving in Christchurch, we said farewell to those who were continuing on the tour and spent as much time as we could with the others that were leaving later in the middle of the night & morning.
Day 9 Timeline from Franz Josef Glacier to Christchurch:
- 10:20-10:50 AM Shop in Hokitika to look and purchase the native greenstone
- 2:00-2:20 PM Castle Hill Drive through the southern alps
- 2:45-3:00 PM Simpsons Donut in Springfield New Zealand
- 4:00 PM Arrive back in Christchurch