West Coast

Are you on your way to Methport next, Barry asked me, beaming with the pride only a man from the thriving metropolis of Greymouth could have, when speaking of his neighbouring town. It’s not Methport though, it’s Westport, a peaceful coastal town on the West Coast of the South Island. “No”, I said.

Before people of Greymouth cruelly turned the first letter of Westport upside down, it was known everywhere some places as the jewel of the West Coast. A common saying back in the 90’s was: Westport, where men are men and sheep are afraid. Maybe this bullying finally took its toll and drug-use was the only escape for the people of Methport. Or maybe there’s no truth to these rumours whatsoever, I certainly didn’t see any evidence of it.

What the area does have is beauty in every direction. When I’m in the area I gravitate towards the beaches. They’re rugged, wild, untamed and when you add late afternoon sun and then sunset to the mix you have the opportunity to capture portfolio-worthy landscape photos. I don’t think I managed any this trip but I really enjoyed the hours I spent walking along the beach, chatting with locals and visitors alike.

The first few photos are taken on the drive from Springfield and through Arthur’s Pass. Once you see the ocean photos, I’m between Greymouth and Westport for these. The last five photos were taken on my drive back through Arthur’s Pass. The weather had closed in by that stage. The wind was hitting my car from the side and shifting it across the road just enough to warrant slowing down a bit, which in turn warranted a few timely stops to take photos. Through the pass and a rainbow appeared, rounding off the week quite nicely.