Crazy Canterbury road-trip

This scene is a vivid illustration of the conditions encountered by a visiting motorist, Mr Kurtshalss on his recent trip to the Hermitage at Mt Cook, when he had to ford several streams, with the assistance of extra horsepower. - Otago Witness, 23.3.1910.

"We left the Hermitage at 4.30a.m. After going two miles we got the first taste of what was to come. What had formerly been only a small stream was now a raging torrent, and every second it looked as if we were to be engulfed or swept away.

"It was impossible to cross until some men who were out repairing bridges came along with three draught horses, and, after a great struggle managed to pull the car out of the water. A 40 horse-power car, containing six lady passengers, caught up on us, and in company we forged successfully through 12 other streams.

"To our dismay and disappointment we found that the bridge over one river had been swept clean away. We then gave up all hope of getting through to the north that day, and accordingly turned the cars and started back for the Hermitage.

"The streams were increasing in volume, and to have gone on would have meant disaster. It took eight hours to cover two miles on the return journey, and we were stuck 16 times in different river beds.

"The big 40 horse-power car was in front of us, and on one occasion it almost disappeared from our view. It was alarming. There was a splash, and suddenly there was nothing but the hood in sight. As for the ladies, it was marvellous how they escaped with their lives.

"They declined the offer of the guide to carry them ashore, and clambered to the bank along a line made fast to the car, the water being up to their waists, while they were wet from head to foot.

"My experience in crossing the same river was just as startling, and I was glad when I had pulled through. We reached the Hermitage at 4 p.m. We have had nothing to eat for 12 hours, and we were wet to the skin.

"Stopping at the Hermitage overnight, we left at 6 o'clock next morning determined to get through. The rain had moderated, and more by good luck than anything else, we negotiated roads that were partially or entirely washed away, and no less than 16 streams, down which rushed water and broken ice.