Morning views from the Waimakariri River’s edge at the river walk from the Bealey Hotel.

Morning brings the opportunity for another trek, or in this case a hill climb, up to the base of the 130 meter bridal veil falls into Devil’s Punchbowl.

Many steps later, and about 150 meters higher, a misty and windy viewing platform awaits, cantilevered out at the base of the falls.

After some lunch in Arthurs Pass Village, it’s on the road again east towards Christchurch. After leaving Arthurs Pass the climate and landscape changes dramatically from wooded and green to arid and grasslands.

Along Route 73 there is a self-guided caving trek that can be done at Cave Stream Scenic Reserve for those that have the gear (wetsuit, headlamp, helmet, etc.). This would never happen in the States – too much risk for any waiver to cover…

We stick to the walk around the top of the cave area.

And after all that dryness, this appears not too soon afterwards.

On into Christchurch, always being reminded of what happens when things get frosty…