I was continuing the large job of digitally scanning all my old film photography yesterday. I happened to be scanning a collection of about 100-120 photos of a little place called French Pass which I took within the space of two days in April 1999. French Pass is at the northen tip of NZ's South Island and is a small gap between the mainland and D'urville Island. It was named after the French explorer Dumont D'urville was first navigated the pass in 1827. The tide can either push through this little gap or flow all the way around the island. Because the gap is small and D'urville Island is relativly big the tidal flow in this area are very strong and very dangerous. 3/4 of the gap is impassable because of a rocky reef, leaving only 100m or so on the southern side where shipping can get through.
The view of the pass from the road in. D'Urville Island is on the left.
A Closer view of the pass. Small and midsized shipping can pass between the markers. I have navigated the pass many times when I worked as a deepsea fisherman. It is a very turbulent piece of water at peak tidal flows!
French Pass Wharf, early morning. I took this picture just before leaving to go on the D'Urville Island mail run.
French Pass township is tucked away in the first bay on the east side of the pass. Just a shop, campground, school, and a sprinkling of houses. A nice place to get away to, especailly if you're into fishing or boating.
9:32:07 AM 
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