Hokitika Gorge

The water really is this colour. It is caused by the combination of glacial meltwater and a rich mix of minerals, greywacke and schist powder washed down from the ancient glaciers. It is also extremely deep and that bridge is a lot higher than it looks. It truly is an incredible sight and well worth the visit. Even though in order to get there you have to cross this swingbridge.

On a sunny day it is even more stunning - today was overcast.

I went there with my son, my 2 sisters, 2 nephews and their partners, and a 4 year old and a 1 year old. The only ones completely unphased by the bridge were the pre-schoolers. But we all managed it with varying degrees of fear, and it really was worth the heart palpitations.

We had a family dinner for my Dad tonight, who turned 75 earlier in the week. It's probably time you considered retiring now Dad.