Just a quick update Hanmer Springs.
This morning we walked up Conical Hill (550 m) through a pungent conifer forest to the peak where we could look out over Hanmer Springs (population about 1,000).
This afternoon, George and Frances tried to explore the Molesworth Station, the largest cattle station in the country, but the road was too rough for our vehicle. We had a rather comical moment when we encountered two elderly volunteers who were manning a road detour. They were having a wonderful time chatting with each other – one holding up a stop sign and the other a go sign, both facing our direction. They waved us through, and fortunately there was no other traffic!
Later, Hilary and Frances went to Hanmer hot pools (no photos). These originate in the fractured rock bed along the Hanmer fault. We soaked in various hot pools that claimed to be rich with minerals. We returned nicely relaxed.
Tomorrow we head to Christchurch.