Transition to the West Coast

This is a millenial sculpture in Christchurch. We spent a frantic day here getting official documents photocopied, notarized, passport photos taken, and just made it to the immigration office in time to get approved before they shut for the day. All this had to be repeated before we could start working at our second job in Westport. Once the folks in the immigration office realized that we were American-trained doctors looking to work on the west coast, we were fast-tracked through the immigration process as there is such a need for doctors there.


Rina exploring the wild west coast scenery at Punakaiki.


Limestone rock formation along the rugged west coast at Punakaiki. Also known as the Pancake Rocks, because of how they appear, not how they taste. At high tide with a swell coming from the right direction, sea-water is forced through blowholes under high pressure causing a deep boom and a jet of sea-water to be sprayed from the holes.


A massive sea-cave at the end of the Truman Track in Punakaiki.


Beach pebbles.