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A wise man once said that when you drive over the Takaka Hill, you leave all your
troubles behind. In Takaka, the gateway to Golden Bay, this certainly seems to be
true for here life moves to a relaxed and friendly beat, and its locals, many of
whom are creative artisans, endorse strong environmental principles. In nearby Collingwood,
where there are “no strangers only friends never met”, the end of the road draws
nigh. Here where the mountainous Wakamarama and Burnett Ranges roll down to meet
the blue-green horseshoe of Golden Bay, the world’s longest spit of sand curves
into Cook Strait like an overgrown talon. Farewell Spit is one of NZ’s most important
bird sanctuaries; here amongst the shifting dunes and indigenous grasses, over 90
species of native and migratory birds make their home. We spend three days exploring
this unique ‘cul-de-sac’. We visit local artists and shop in boutique stores, hike
in the Abel Tasman National Park, fish for salmon, visit the world’s clearest springs,
gorge ourselves silly on ‘Rosy Glow’ chocolates, and take a four wheel drive tour
up Farewell Spit to spy on native and migratory birds.
day two: takaka to collingwood
Key
- Destinations
- Apex Locations
In the morning we enjoy a light breakfast before taking a leisurely stroll around
the friendly township of Takaka, perusing its array of quirky craft studios and
galleries, and small boutique village stores, before driving to the Waikoropupu
Springs, the clearest freshwater springs in the world.
“Wow,” says Bob, gazing at the iridescent blue and green springs which sparkle like
polished paua, “They’re beautiful!” The springs rise through thick layers of marbled
rock and discharge around 14,000 litres of water per second. We hike around the
edge of the pools passing water milfoil, forget-me-nots and rushes on a track that
leads to various viewing platforms. There are several informative display boards
en route and we learn that the springs are home to freshwater snails, long fi nned
eels and koura (freshwater crayfish). “Look,” says Bob, “they were once used by
the Maori for ceremonial blessings.”
We spend time soaking up the peaceful atmosphere then drive through the countryside
to the Mussel Inn Bush Café, a country pub selling local food and drink. We join
others on the wide, shady verandah screened by vines of hops, and relish every mouthful
of the thick mussel chowder we’re served, washing it down with an organic beer that
is brewed onsite.
Bob pops inside to settle our account and returns with an amazed look on his face,
“There’s a bounty for possum tails,” he says incredulously, obviously recalling
all the squashed possums we’ve seen on the road during our circumnavigation of NZ.
“Every tail earns a pint on the house and if you bring in a rat’s tail, you’ll get
a chocolate fish!”
To read the full story
Please click the link to download the full nelson to golden bay scenic drive, courtesy of apex
car rentals new zealand... the kiwi way
to read more extracts from our driving holiday's guidebook please click on any of
the following links:
north island scenic drives
south island scenic drives
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