We were back at base by 12:30 and then set off back across country in the van heading towards Greymouth. We had decided to go back to the West Coast so that we could do the Arthur’s Pass return journey the next day as it has a reputation as being a beautiful and exhilarating drive.

En route we passed through Hanmer Springs, Springs Junction and Reefton. As we passed through each town late in the afternoon there was very little activity, looking almost deserted and with all their petrol stations closed. We had planned to stop at Lake Brunner but our lack of fuel meant that we chose the safety of Greymouth for our overnight stay.