Nelson to Cape Farewell (SH60)
This trip takes you from Nelson to the northern most point of the South Island.
MotuekaVisit the i-Site for the newest information about Abel Tasman NP and the region.
If you are here on Sundays you can visit the Sunday market.
Around Motueka
Ngarua Caves, Takaka Hill - the Marble Mountain
SH60, 20km north of Motueka
Golden Bay
There's much to see on the way up to the northern most point of the Southern Island. Almost home of the capital of New Zealand during the first gold rush you can easily spend some days travelling around the versatile region.
www.goldenbay.net.nz
www.heartoftheparks.co.nz
Takaka
You can enjoy the lively township in one of the many cafes or stock up supplies at the supermarket if in need. It' the main service centre in Golden Bay.
Around TakakaThe flat plains around Kotianga is mainly farmland. The Road along Anatoki River leads to the starting point of Anatoki Track which was used by gold miners long ago. On the way to the end of the road you pass
Bencarri FarmBencarri Farm is home of the famous Anatoki Eels and many different animals such as alpacas, llamas and yaks.
Anatoki Salmon FarmWhere you can catch your own fish for cooking.
Takaka to Totaranui
For the road east to Totaranui see the Takaka to Totaranui page.
Te Waikoropupu - (Pupu) Springs
It's the largest spring system in New Zealand with somewhat between 7 and 21 cubic metres per second as the flow is not constant. The water comes from nearby Takaka River who sometimes goes dry during summer. The water disappears into caves and sink holes finding it's way back to the surface at Pupu Springs.
The water from the main spring has a temperature of 11.7°C all year round and is slightly salty. The salt intrudes from the sea as three freshwater springs in Golden Bay are connected with the cave system and sometimes sea water is drawn into the vents.
The place is sacred to Maori - please respect it during your visit.
Collingwood - formerly Gibbstown
Think what would have happened if the dream of 1850's goldrush had become true and Collingwood declared the capital of New Zealand! But the wealthy years with not less than seven hotels around the settlement soon ended and three fires during the last 160 years produced the mixture of today's old and new.
Heapy Track
Collingwood is the point to prepare for the Heaphy Track if you start the 82km to Karamera at the West Coast from the north.
Cape Farewell
Before deciding where to go at the northern end of the South Island you maybe should visit the Cafe and visitor centre at the end of the public road to the Puponga Farm. They provide useful information and the views you can enjoy from the terrace are fantastic.
You are not allowed to drive the Farewell Spit by your own car as it belongs to Puponga Farm and is protected by the DOC as conservation land. There are guided tours.
Eroded granites, schists and other rocks were transported by coastal drift from the West Coast to form the 35km spit of sand between Fossil Point and the end of Farewell Spit.
The Spit is home of over 100 species of birds but most famous are the migrating waders. Hundreds of thousands arriving here every year.
www.farewellspit.com
www.farewell-spit.co.nz
Pillar Point Lighthouse
1 hour return - moderate
Start: on the Road to Wharariki Beach at Wharariki Saddle
The walk to the place of New Zealands first radar station provides views from high over the sea to Farewell Spit and the green farmland.
Cape Farewell
30 min return - easy
Start: on the Road to Wharariki Beach - follow the sign
The northern most point of the Southern Island with views from the high cliff. Watch for seals as they sometimes relax at the rocky bottom.
Whararaki Beach
40 min return - easy
Start: car park at the end of the road
Wind and water have created a masterpiece of coastal landscape with dunes, rocky islands and coastal vegetation.
