Golden Bay 2015

Our last week with Roger and Brenda, we stayed in the East Takaka home we have rented for the last 3 years.  The weather was warm and the four of us went swimming a couple times at what we call “naked beach”.  The water was so mildly saline that you could swim underwater with your eyes open.  We also took Brenda and Roger to Pupu Springs.

Our favorite swimming spot - Wainui Bay

Wainui Bay

Wainui Falls swing bridge

Brenda and Roger at Pupu Springs

We also drove back over Takaka Hill with it’s hundred plus switch-backs during the week.  B and Roger took a water taxi and hiked a section of Abel Tasman National Park.  Brenda and G went paddle boarding at Kaiteriteri and ate a gourmet burger at Fat Tui’s in Marahau.  Delicious!

Roger and B looking back at Torrent Bay

where the water taxi dropped them for there hike on

Abel Tasman Coastal Track

Waiting to cross the swing bridge - limit 1 person

Onetahuti Beach - the end of a four hour hike

Waiting for the water taxi.

When the tide was right at the end of the week, we drove to Wharariki Beach for the dramatic hike over the sheep covered fields.  On the way we passed by Palm Lake and another lake with black swans, scaups and some croaking frogs.  After passing through a small section of bush between the fields and beach, we climbed down the dunes and rocks to the beach with its giant rocks, arches and caves. As you walked along the long beach the arch islands continually changed shapes revealing yet another arch.  At the other end of the beach people gathered to quietly observe the fur seal pups climbing around and calling for their mothers.  All this on a perfectly warm and beautiful day.  We also stopped at Cape Farewell (the northern most point on the South Island).  To top off the day, we went to Langford Store to have cream tea - B’s favorite spot.

When the tide was right at the end of the week, we drove to Wharariki Beach for the dramatic hike over the sheep covered fields.  On the way we passed by Palm Lake and another lake with black swans, scaups and some croaking frogs.  After passing through a small section of bush between the fields and beach, we climbed down the dunes and rocks to the beach with its giant rocks, arches and caves. As you walked along the long beach the arch islands continually changed shapes revealing yet another arch.  At the other end of the beach people gathered to quietly observe the fur seal pups climbing around and calling for their mothers.  All this on a perfectly warm and beautiful day.  We also stopped at Cape Farewell (the northern most point on the South Island).  To top off the day, we went to Langford Store to have cream tea - B’s favorite spot.

Look down at the Arch Islands at Wharariki Beach

Wharariki Beach

Whararike Beach

Roger and B at cave on Wharariki Beach

Cabbage tree on walk to Cape Farewell

Cape Farewell - northern most spot on South Island

B and Roger at Cape Farewell

Pre-tea

Cream tea and Langford Store - Bainham NZ

Trying to get home on East Takaka Road

On our way to take Brenda and Roger to the airport, we stopped for a wine tasting at Richmond Plains and Te Mania Winery.  Then we were treated to a wonderful lunch at the Grape Escape Cafe.  

Great time with friends