Today was our longest planned drive, 432 km over the Southern Alps via the highest of the three passes, Arthur's Pass. We set out at 9am, in good spirits not sure how much time it would take, there were warnings of road work along the way.

Our drive took us on windy roads north along the coast before it turned east and started to climb towards Arhur's Pass. Arthur's Pass itself wasn't that noticable but just before reaching the summit there is the >Otira Viaduct, finished in 1999 measuring 440 meters. We stopped at the Arthur's Pass Visitor Center parkinglot and ejoyed our home made sandwiches before continuing our drive.

Not long after leaving Arthur's Pass behind we encountered the rumored road work at the Bealey Bridge, since they love 1 lane bridges here in New Zealand, bridge repairs stop traffic in both directions. After about 10 min the nice lady monitoring our side of the bridge informed us the bridge would open up for traffic in about 30min. We settled in and waited, also, there are way worse places to be stuck at. After 30 min they let the opposing traffic on, and then after around 10 min it was finally our time to cross the bridge!

We reached Amberly and our hotel arund 4:30pm, the drive went way better than expected. We are staying above a pub and restaurant, unfortunately the restaurant are closed on Mondays so we had to find dinner elsewhere. We found an Indian restaurant in the next block and we scored gold. Best Indian food since leaving California.