Golden Bay

A panoramic spot for lunch while tramping thru the bush


Spending the week in Collingwood - a small town at the extreme northern tip of the South Island in an area known as Golden Bay. Apparently, when Kiwi prospectors returned from the California gold rush around 1853 (empty handed) they noticed the similarities between this area and the gold fields of central California. So they started digging and soon struck a pretty good seam of gold, which lasted for nearly 10 years before it played out. The area grew so fast and was so prosperous for a while that Collingwood became a leading candidate to become the capital of the country. Once the gold played out it reverted back to a sleepy rural area, however, and any thoughts of grandeur faded. What's left today is one of the most scenic areas in New Zealand.

For Naval history buffs, the town is named for Nelson's second in command at the naval battle of Trafalgar in 1805, and the man who took over after Nelson was killed there. The streets of the town are all named for his Lieutenants and other naval themes. Another reminder that New Zealand is still part of the British Commonwealth.



This is the Rock Bridge area of Whaririki Beach - near Farewell Spit

We've talked before about how beautiful the walking tracks are here, but this area is also known for it's beaches. Farewell Spit is a 25 Km stretch of sand dunes that reach into Cook Strait. It's a National Scenic area and popular with bird colonies and visiting fur seals - which seem to be everywhere at low tide. They seem to interact well with the human population though - the surfers just ignore them and the tourists don't seem to harass them too much. Unlike Hawaii it's apparently no big deal to approach them - hard not to since they're all over the place. Am told they'll only get upset if you get close during calving season. Otherwise they act as though they could care less.

One small section of Whaririki Beach - it actually goes for miles like this


Lots of Sandstone arches and caves along this section of coastline


One of the locals sunning on the beach

Am told that the abundance of seals and other critters have drawn some interest from White Pointers (Great White Sharks) which have started showing up from Australian waters, where before they were unknown here. So far no horror stories from surfers or divers though.

We're here until Sunday when we drive around to the southern end of Abel Tasman Park. We were here 3 years ago and like it so much we opted for a longer stay this time. Hope to get in the water in the protected beaches of the park and do some snorkeling if the weather cooperates.