ROAD TRIP - Tākaka to Port Pūponga

A journey to Farewell Spit

Tākaka to Collingwood via SH 60 22min, 26.6km

Collingwood to Port Pūponga via Collingwood-Pūponga Main Rd 26min, 24km

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 sandspit has two quite different faces and is a very special place to visit. It really is a must-do.

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.

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.

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.

Horse riding, Wharariki Beach

© Cape Farewell Horse Treks

FAIRWELL 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

© www.nelsontasman.co.nz

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.

Mussel Inn, Collingwood

© Andrew Dixon