Golden Bay and other bits...

Finally... I've been in NZ 2 1/2 years and finally came the time to explore Golden Bay- which is just down the road from Nelson. It was a long weekend last weekend. We headed out towards Takaka Friday morning. It didn't take long to stop for a very unique looking hitchiker. He was an older gentleman, carrying a "Takaka" sign which he carefully painted with enamel- since it apparently asts longer. He didn't have a bag but was carrying his various bits and pieces loose. He had sort of wisply hair and was wearing a tie. And boy, did he have stories. He'd travelled, lived and seen a lot. What a character. I can't explain him- it was one of those you'd have to be there to understand moments. Interesting! He could very well have been in a movie- staring as himself. We dropped him near Takaka and wandered the Takaka shops. I managed to find myself a very cute stuffed Pukeko (I love those birds!) Then onwards to Collingwood where we pitched up at the Collingwood motor camp in the shade.

Collingwood was interesting. Reading up on it later, apparently it has a population of about 260. There wasn't much there... But there was a handy convenience/grocery shop which was perfect for those afternoon ice creams. The weather was hot. It was great to finally try out my tent for the first time after purchasing it on trade me about a year and a half ago. It took slightly longer to set up than my tent in Canada. Hopefully it will go quicker next time! The holiday park had a few permanent residents living in camper trailers- they would have been so hot!

We took a drive to Patons Rock and watched the MOST amazing kite surfer I've ever seen. He was simply amazing. He was quick, he could manoever in the crazy wind. Up into the air he went, down he landed. He was GREAT!!

Saturday we headed out for a drive along a gravel road towards the west coast. After a few photos we headed back and up towards Wharakiri (sp?). What an amazing spot!! I couldn't get over all the massive sand dunes. Amazing. Then we walked up to the lighthouse overlooking Farewell spit. Also - very cool... We arrived back at the campsite to discover we had neighbours with the same tent as me- and the same camp chairs and table. :)

Sunday morning we packed up our tent and started making our way back Nelson way. Stops included a lookout near Pohara, and the caves on the Takaka Hill. The caves were really, really neat. The air inside was a cool 11 degrees, whereas it was something like 27 outside. Once back at the surface walking back to the starting point there was evidence of a number of sinkholes in the area- watch you step!

It was a great weekend to explore a bit of the Nelson region- and great weather too.

Farewell Spit