The northern portion of the west coast was tempting, but alas, too much ground to cover. So we got another early start and headed to Golden Bay and the northern-most portion of the island. After a long mountainous drive, we arrived at the coast near Matueka. Much to Tom's surprise, we still had another very steep, very windy drive over more mountains to get to Takaka and Golden Bay. With most of the afternoon available, we headed up to the northern tip of the island , where we'd heard the hiking was top notch. Our first jaunt was to Cape Farewell and Pillar Point Lighthouse. Open wandering through hillside sheep pastures on high bluffs above the ocean. Absolutely gorgeous! Then, just a little further down the road, we headed to Wharariki Beach. Beautiful sand dunes and beaches, with sea stacks. And up and over a beach head to secluded South Bridge Beach, complete with rock sculptures. A feast for the eyes. Plus some seal pups playing on the beach as we were departing!
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| Cape Farewell Bluffs |
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| Cape Farewell Headlands |
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| The locals |
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| Cape Farewell Headlands |
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| Wharariki Beach |
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| Rocks, South Bridge Beach |
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| Seastacks, Wharariki Beach |
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| Playful seal pups |
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| Grass on dunes |
One of the attractions of the Golden Bay area for us was it's proximity to the north side of Abel Tasman National Park. The park's gold-sand beaches are legendary, and draw large numbers of visitors. The Abel Tasman Track, which follows the coast, is the most popular of the Great Tracks. In addition, there's quite an array of kayak and boat tours, adding to the crowds. But ... the north side is out of the way (remember that last set of mountains we had to drive over?), and provides an opportunity for a bit more solitude. We spent a day checking out that side of the park. In the morning, we took a short beach walk towards Tapau Point, and then we drove (you guessed it ... over more mountains) on a gravel road to Totaranui. From there, we spent the afternoon tramping to Anapai and Mutton Bays, then on to Separation Point lighthouse. Another sensory overload! Lush forests, beautiful golden beaches, drop-dead views of the coastline, more seal pups, and solitude! Perfect!
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| Rocks and Sand, Wainui Bay |
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| Rock Sculptures, Anapai Bay |
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| Mutton Bay |
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| Tree Fern |
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| Body Surfing (video) |
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| Rugged Coastline |
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| Pied Shag |
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| Anapai Beach |
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| Orca rescue |
More Photos
Activities
- Hike to Cape Farewell viewing platform and Pillar Pt lighthouse
- Hike to Wharariki Beach, including an extension to South Bridge Beach
- Hike along Wainui Bay to Uarau Point ... part way to Taupo Point
- Hike the Anapai/Mutton Bays Track from Totaranui campground to Separation Point lighthouse.
5-Star Moments
- Commanding views and lush pastures at Cape Farewell.
- Rocks, sea stacks, and reflections at Wharariki and South Bridge Beaches.
- Golden sand beaches.
- Seal pups!
Random Scenes
- After multiple drive-by's, we finally found the carpark for Taupo Point. The track started down a cart path between cow pastures. After 20 minutes, we decided perhaps we were at the wrong spot! Another 15 minutes of searching by car brought us to the real starting point.
- Driving home from a tramp, we saw a team of people rescuing an adult orca. But why weren't they trying to save the baby orca, too. Was it already dead? Oh.... they were just practicing, using blow-up orcas!!
Random Questions
- Are those penguins? Despite Karen's deep-down "need" to see penguins, we later learned they were, in fact, Pied Shags.
Tom's Daily Stress Points
- Where the hell is the trailhead? (stress-level = medium-low)
Sleeps
- Pohara: Sans Souci Inn (very nice, award-winning compost toilets, fouton)
Noteable Eats
- Pohara: Sans Souci Inn (excellent venison dinner)
- Pohara: Plan B Cafe (ok dinner)
- Takaka: Dangerous Kitchen (good big breakfast)
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