We needed a rest. The Wilderness Trail (260km and 2000 metres of climbing) over five straight days, had left us a bit tired. Mentally we'd checked out at the end of the ride as the next seven days were to be spent in luxury at the Mt Hutt Lodge in a friend's timeshare apartment. Having said that, we were in no hurry to leave the West Coast and so took our time back in Hokitika, wandering the funky shops and lingering in cafes. Crossing back over the Southern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana on the Arthur's Pass road, we stopped at the many lookouts and marvelled at the Otira Viaduct. The viaduct is a 440 metres four-span construction that carries State Highway 73 over a stretch of unstable land, replacing a narrow, winding, dangerous section of road, that was prone to avalanches, slips and closures. The view from the top of Arthur's Pass looking west over the viaduct and valley is stunning, and more than just a little windy! Continuing down the eastern side of the pass, we stopped for lunch at one of the many DOC campgrounds - the joy and convenience of #vanlife. After a long day of lazy travel, we dropped down into Rakaia Gorge. The river level was low and a beautiful turquoise colouring as it meandered through the gorge. An enjoyable trip across the mountain range ended with a cold beer on the apartment deck overlooking the gorge.