2 minute read
ROAD TRIP: A journey to Farewell Spit
Tākaka to Collingwood via SH 60 22min, 26.6km
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.
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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 oystercatchers. With the open sea on one side and sheltered water on the other, the sand spit has two quite different faces and is a very special place to visit. It really is a must-do.
Walkway at Te Waikoropupū Springs © www.nelsontasman.nz
HIGHLIGHTS
TĀKAKA HILL DRIVE
Get from Golden Bay to the township of Tākaka via the hill that stands in between. Thus, explaining The Bay’s amusing catchphrase: ‘It’s just a hill – get over it’. The impressive views over Tākaka Hill make this one heck of a standout drive.
Takaka Hill © Getty Images
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 20-metre 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.
FAREWELL SPIT
A haven for wading birds. Take a guided four-wheel drive tour along the sand, dependent on the tide.
RAWHITI CAVE
Seven minutes from Pohara, this enormous limestone cave is gnarled with stalactites.
Te Waikoropupū Springs © Getty Images
COLLINGWOOD
The Aorere Centre and Collingwood Museum do a great job of explaining the area’s history and displaying treasures from the past.
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.
There are a couple of great eateries too, including The Courthouse Café, with impressive themed pizzas, including Guilty and Innocent, and scones served up by the fireside are popular too.
Courthouse Cafe, Collingwood © www.nelsontasman.co.nz
GOLDEN CENTRE
As the northernmost centre of Golden Bay, Collingwood was once mooted as the country’s future capital. To experience this peaceful and quaint village now, it’s hard to believe, but when gold fever struck in the mid-19th century, the population of Collingwood boomed to around 1000. Visit Collingwood Museum and Aorere Heritage Centre to learn how the village rapidly expanded and how it was later almost destroyed by fire.
Estuary Arts, Golden Bay © www.nelsontasman.nz
Main Image Above: Wharariki Beach © www.nelsontasman.nz
