After a couple days in Nelson, we left the Tasman Bay and headed north over Takaka Hill to Golden Bay.
After crossing the hill, we made our way through Takaka and walked out to Pupu Springs, known for being some of the clearest spring water in the world. The water was gorgeous, the colors were brilliant, and it was a beautiful day for a walk along the springs and rivers.
In the afternoon, we reached our destination - Patons Rock - in the middle of Golden bay and enjoyed a lovely evening on the beach, swimming, collecting shells, and soaking up the setting sun. The following morning we drove north to the northern tip of the south island to Wharariki Beach. We enjoyed hours on the beach at low tide, walking around the huge rock formations, exploring caves and arch ways and watching seal pups play in the seaside pools.
After walking the length of the beach, we sat and watched the seal pups play. There were about 10 seal pups and 2 adults lounging on the sides. The pups were majestically graceful in the water, leaping up and out of the water, diving back in to the pool's depth. The lounged on their backs, twirled around like corkscrews, and floated on their sides with a fin in the air to check the wind. They were having a blast, and we had a blast watching them.
After a lovely afternoon at Wharariki Beach, we headed over to Cape Farewell to see the Farewell Spit - New Zealand's longest sand spit that just far out into the Tasman Sea and is a vital stopping point for many migrating birds. We then returned to our lovely beach at Patons Rock, stopping at the famed Muscle Inn for some food and to enjoy its unique character.
We enjoyed our last morning in the Golden Bay by taking a long walk along the beach, swimming in the calm ocean, and watching a local ride her horse up and down the beach, training it to do all sorts of step formations.
View of the valley on the southern side of Takaka Hill
After crossing the hill, we made our way through Takaka and walked out to Pupu Springs, known for being some of the clearest spring water in the world. The water was gorgeous, the colors were brilliant, and it was a beautiful day for a walk along the springs and rivers.
Pupu Springs
In the afternoon, we reached our destination - Patons Rock - in the middle of Golden bay and enjoyed a lovely evening on the beach, swimming, collecting shells, and soaking up the setting sun. The following morning we drove north to the northern tip of the south island to Wharariki Beach. We enjoyed hours on the beach at low tide, walking around the huge rock formations, exploring caves and arch ways and watching seal pups play in the seaside pools.
Views of Golden Bay at LOW tide
Views on the walk to Wharariki Beach
First views of Wharariki Beach
One of the walkways only available at low tide
After walking the length of the beach, we sat and watched the seal pups play. There were about 10 seal pups and 2 adults lounging on the sides. The pups were majestically graceful in the water, leaping up and out of the water, diving back in to the pool's depth. The lounged on their backs, twirled around like corkscrews, and floated on their sides with a fin in the air to check the wind. They were having a blast, and we had a blast watching them.
Seal pups playing in the seaside pools
Sand Dunes on Wharariki Beach
After a lovely afternoon at Wharariki Beach, we headed over to Cape Farewell to see the Farewell Spit - New Zealand's longest sand spit that just far out into the Tasman Sea and is a vital stopping point for many migrating birds. We then returned to our lovely beach at Patons Rock, stopping at the famed Muscle Inn for some food and to enjoy its unique character.
View of the Farewell Spit
Sunset on Patons Rock
We enjoyed our last morning in the Golden Bay by taking a long walk along the beach, swimming in the calm ocean, and watching a local ride her horse up and down the beach, training it to do all sorts of step formations.
Tractors used to bring the fishing boats to the sea
View of the valley on the northern side of Takaka Hill
For all the photos, visit the 2014 New Zealand Album.
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