Golden Bay, Takaka
Farewell Spit
Jutting out into the Tasman sea like a Kiwi's beak, on the South Islands North West corner is New Zealand's longest sand spit. At around 1km wide and over 30km long the spit extends an additional 6km at low tide, creating an idyllic refuge for an array of shore birds including, South Island pied oyster catchers, bar tailed godwits, turnstones, black swans and a host of others, in fact, 83 different species of shore and wading birds have been recorded in the Farewell spit nature reserve. This unique formation has been caused by the constant battering of strong north west winds forcing the schist sands in to the sea where it's driven eastward by the Tasman sea, pushing it's way through the narrow Cook Strait. Access to the park is restricted but there are excellent, very informative, guided trips available.
Motueka, Colingwood and Takaka
There's some great natural taonga between Motueka and Collingwood. Harwood hole is about 40 mins drive from Marahau towards Takaka. Harwood hole is the largest natural sink hole in New Zealand. At a depth of 176m it's the largest in the southern hemisphere. The area around Takaka is comprised of porous limestone creating a labyrinth of sink holes and cave networks.
Pupu Springs
Not far from Takaka is Waikoropupu springs. 'Pupu' springs, is regarded as the purest freshwater spring in the world. Crystal clear water rushes in through a vent from an underground river at 1.2 million cubic metres per day. Visibility has been known to reach up to 62m making one of the clearest in the world. It's also bloody cold!!
Links
Check out the following links:
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Favourite Spot in NZ - Sue (Ace Picton)
My favourite place is Nelson in the summer and Golden Bay, Nelson because it is hard to beat seeing people down at the beaches enjoying themselves, the café life, and all the Art and crafts on offer by some amazingly talented people. Golden Bay, because it is so relaxing, easy living, and very beautiful.
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