Since 2020, the urge to hit the open road is stronger than ever! While a long drive, or a multi-day road trip in your own country, sounds great, why not go for something bigger? It’s time to consider an international road trip and we have the perfect destination – New Zealand. Here, the natural grandeur of the country can be best explored by a car on a long, scenic, coastal drive.
The Scenic Route
The route we’re talking about is the Great Coast Road drive, situated on the West Coast of New Zealand, which runs from Westport to Greymouth. This 90-minute coastal road trip is particularly known for its range of natural attractions. New Zealand, itself, is a beautiful country full of natural wonders and scenic sights. But this Great Coast Road trip is an epic journey full of unforgettable adventures. With wild crashing waves to the right and dense lush rainforests to the left, this route is one of the top coastal drives in the world.
The Journey
You can explore this scenic stretch of State Highway 6 in either direction. But according to popular opinion, starting from Westport and venturing south along the coastal path to Greymouth is the best option. Especially because towards Greymouth, the road blends seamlessly into the open environment. According to Sarah Handley, the general manager of Tourism New Zealand in Europe and the Americas, slowing down is the best way to enjoy the coastal drive at its fullest. There are several sandy vistas to enjoy a blast of fresh ocean air, beaches like 9 Mile and 17 Mile to take a refreshing swim, forest tracks to go for a hike, and other nooks and crannies worth exploring for a whole day.
The Popular Stops
There are several scenic spots along the coastal drive of the Great Coast Road, where you can stop your car and stay for a day or two. Cape Foulwind is a popular point, where some road-trippers deviate from the path to see the sea seals and enjoy a surf break at the 9 Mile Beach. Paparoa National Park is one of the most visited stops on the scenic coastal driveway. Located south of Westport, this park is home to the Paparoa Track, one of the Great Walks of New Zealand. So, don’t forget to add a lodge-based, multi-day, hike along the trail to your road trip itinerary. For the day-trippers, the Truman Track is an ideal point, which is an amazing 30-minute round trip hike. Passing through a wonderful subtropical rainforest, the trail directly leads to the Tasman Sea. Rare native plant life, scenic waterfalls, and panoramic coastal views make this part of the drive a treasure trove of nature.
● Venturing just 5 minutes more, by car, towards the south will give you the chance to encounter the Pancake Rocks, the most popular natural attraction in the region of the West Coast. Located at the Dolomite Point nearby Punakaiki, these pre-historic limestone rocks are a geological wonder, with the stunning sea-spray blasting Putai Blowhole.
How To Enjoy The Pink Lakes Of Mexico
We’ve heard of pigs on beaches. We’ve even heard of flamingo resorts, but pink lakes? There are so many weird and wonderful things to see in the world. If you want to see something incredible, you might want to learn how to enjoy the pink lakes of Mexico.
Why Are The Lakes Pink?
The lakes are used to mine salt, meaning they are very shallow and only come up to people’s knees. This shallow water means that plankton, shrimp, and red algae are all near the surface of the water. The result? The water looks bright pink!
Explore The Local Town
Las Coloradas is a very small town that’s free from tourist spots and cafes. That means that everything is still just as it was all those years ago. Thankfully, there is one local restaurant and some bathrooms to keep people fed and happy during their trip.
Enjoy Some Photos
There are now some restrictions on the type of photos you can take after the pink lakes of Mexico became overrun with Instagram stars. You aren’t allowed any drones or DSLR cameras, but you can take pictures with your phone – which can be all you need to get some impressive shots of the area.
Visit Local Beaches
It’s not just the pink lakes of Mexico that draws people to the area. There are also several white-sand beaches in the area that are usually free from tourists. It’s almost like getting a slice of paradise all to yourself. With settings like these, it can be hard to remember you’re not in some kind of dream.
If you’re looking to enjoy the pink lakes of Mexico, then look no further. They are free from tourist traps and come with some of the most breathtaking beaches in the area. After all, how many times can we say we’ve seen a pink lake in our lifetime? That’s what we thought.