Through Havelock to Pelorus Bridge

The bay was flat as a millpond when we woke, but a breeze arrived soon after to spoil the perfect calm. We packed up and headed West, and had reached Havelock before we realised that we’d left our last tray of ice in the camp freezer! Oh well…
The road to Havelock is reasonably winding and narrow at the best of times, but with the recent floods there are heaps of places where the road has been washed out or slips have covered the road. We were down to one lane and 30kph in about a dozen places – most of them with traffic lights – and we only traveled about 20km!
After coffee and another bush walk, this time up to a waterfall and a lookout over Havelock and the start of the Pelorus Sound, we had lunch at the Mussel Pot, in their garden restaurant. We wanted to try the local delicacy cooked several different ways so we chose the platter, which according to the menu included steamed, grilled, battered, smoked, marinated and mussel croquettes. We thought there could be a couple of each type, but found there was a dozen steamed (in a white wine and cream broth) and 6 of each of the others! Plus bread! Delicious with a glass of rosé!
We are now at the campground at Pelorus Bridge, parked right beside the river, and there is a big fat wood pigeon sitting in the tree beside us. It’s been really warm today – in the early 20s – and the cheeks are feeling a bit pink. We’ve had another bush walk along to a suspension bridge high over the confluence of the Rai and Pelorus rivers, and are now feeling pleasantly tired. This is another camping area managed by DOC, and the facilities here are great – complete with kitchens, showers and a laundry.
It seems everyone we’ve talked to on this trip is from either Wanaka or Christchurch. Callum McLeod (Deputy Mayor of QLDC and Wanaka celebrity) just popped out of the bush right next to where we are parked!Read more