2 minute read
Road Trip - Journey to Farewell Spit
Tākaka to Port Pūponga
Tākaka to Collingwood via SH 60 - 22min - 26.6km
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Collingwood to Port Pūponga via Collingwood-Pūponga Main Rd - 26min - 24km
© AA Traveller 2021
Heading north to Collingwood at the end of the heritage road, The Treasured Pathway (Golden Bay’s artery, SH 60) cuts straight through Tākaka and passes many turn-offs to glorious beaches.
Beyond Collingwood, it passes dairy farms and holiday homes, sweeping the coastline towards the natural wonder of Farewell Spit.
This is one of the world’s longest naturally formed sand bars and is home to more than 90 species of birds including godwits, spoonbills and oyster catchers. With the open sea on one side and sheltered water on the other, the sandspit has two quite different faces and is a very special place to visit. It really is a must-do.
HIGHLIGHTS
POHARA Take a detour from Tākaka and head west to Pohara and Tōtaranui. Abel Tasman National Park,The Grove Scenic Reserve, many beautiful bays, art galleries and pretty Taupō Pt are all on the doorstep.
WAINUI WATERFALL Just over 12km from Pohara is this beautiful 20m waterfall, reached via a one-hour return walk.
TE WAIKOROPUPŪ SPRINGS This is the source of the clearest and purest
water in New Zealand and is of great spiritual significance to Māori. There is a 45-minute loop walkway.
WHARARIKI BEACH A detour here presents caves and archways, wild seals and dramatic surf. 30 minutes from Collingwood.
RAWHITI CAVE Seven minutes from Pohara, this enormous limestone cave is gnarled with stalactites.
Labyrinth Rocks, Tākaka
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FAREWELL SPIT
Huge dunes form a landing strip for thousands of shore birds (and over 90 species) that have migrated all the way from the northern hemisphere. At 35 kilometres-long, the sandspit is a phenomenal sight but access can be limited due to tide times. Eco-tours and guided 4WD trips depart from Pūponga and Collingwood, the latter being the northernmost centre of Golden Bay and an enclave of peace, quiet and village hospitality.
Exploring Farewell Spit
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COLLINGWOOD
The Aorere Centre and Collingwood Museum do a great job of explaining the area’s history and its rapid expansion in the mid-19th century.
A small, central playground offers exercise for the kids, and a leg-stretch around the waterfront is pretty, especially when the rata is in flower.
Collingwood is well situated for the Heaphy Track in Kahurangi National Park. Another glorious Great Walk, cover 78.4km in four to six days, trekking through staggeringly diverse terrain.
Courthouse Café, Collingwood
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