B and G in New Zealand: Golden Bay 2

We ventured out on a couple new hikes this year in Golden Bay. We hiked both ends of the Kaituna Track. From the Aorere Valley we hiked to the river fork through native forest following a river. From Whanganui Inlet, we hiked to Knuckle Hill, a steep hike with spectacular views of the inlet and Farewell Spit. For those wondering about G’s knees, they seem to be improving.

Bridge to Kaituna Track

View on Kaituna Track

Nikau Palms on Kaituna Track

River Fork on Kaituna Track

From our house we enjoy the California quails that feed along the perimeter of the lawn, the Australasian harriers circling the sky looking for the many rabbits in the cow pasture, the separate cow and bull paddocks far below and the amazing views of the valley and mountains of Kaurangi National Park.

Australasian Harrier in the cow paddock

Much needed rainy day with its silver lining

Dusk on the farm

Biking on the Great Taste Trail in Motueka

We tried a new section of the Abel Tasman Coastal Walk from Totaranui to Anapai Bay. Even though a rain shower tried to ruin our day, the sun came out before we left the beach. Like us, the pied shags got dry and were revitalized by the sun.

Hiking to Anapai Beach

Tree fern frond

Anapai Beach

Pied Shags (comorants)

Pukekos

Knuckle Hill in the distance (1 hour 50 minutes walk to top)

Obviously worth the steep hike

Relaxing on Knuckle Hill

Knuckle Hill view

View walking back from Knuckle Hill

Instead of crossing over Takaka Hill, one day, we went to the top to see two sights. We visited Hawke's Lookout with the eroded marble and views over Tasman and the Ngarua Caves.

Looking down the hill at Riwaka Resurgence

Hawke's Lookout toward Motueka

Eroded marble

Walking to Kaihoka Lakes

Kaihoka Lake

Kaihoka Lake with many nihau palms

Ngarau Cave

Coming out of Ngarau Cave

Made it out

3 second scene at the end of the last Hobbit movie

Look for the dead tree in the last Hobbit movie

View of Abel Tasman National Park and Tasman Sea

View of the stars in the back yard - Clouds of Magellan
on upper right side

We always enjoy the lifestyle of Takaka with its farming community and youthful Bohemian groups who occupy the village green and parks making jewelry to sell, music and just hanging out. There are 3 cafes that have a good selection of vegetarian and vegan options. The beaches nearby are lovely for swimming and walking.