Golden Bay

I know, i know, ...those of you who have been following our NZ blog have been eagerly awaiting a new post. I have been slacking for the last couple of weeks, and the people have spoken.

he exhausting two day excursion through Abel Tasman was wonderful, and gave us new inspiration to see what was next on the agenda. The plan was to head across the Upper Takaka Mountain Range and into the Golden Bay Valley. Crossing the mountain range was a task itself. The elevation change and the switchbacks in the road were enough to make Denise car sick.

All was well after we finally made it across the range. It was immediately apparent that we would fall in love with the Golden Bay area.

Although it was getting late in the day, we decided to head out to the Farewell Spit, a 35 kilometer long sand formation at the tip of the south island. We were able to take a brief walk on the spit before heading back to catch the sun set. As it turns out, I am always chasing the perfect sun set, and although this one was a great one, the search continues. We ended up breaking free of our preset agenda, and stayed in a small town called Collinwood. We decided that the Golden Bay area would take another day to explore properly. Collinwood had a main street, one local pub/restaurant, corner store, fire station, church, and a few beach houses. That was it! We did however stumbled upon a great little hostel that had a wonderful wood burning fire place that kept us warm.

The next day was spent hiking through sheep pastures to the white cliff coast line.

We were almost able to take these two curious youngsters home, but after watching the Kiwi cult horror flick "Black Sheep",about genetically engineered sheep that go on a killing spree in the South Island, we were not about to take one home for a pet.

We followed the next trail down to this amazing beach. For some reason, the rock formation out int eh rough surf from our angle reminded me of one of Hannibal's battle elephants ready to charge the enemy. I think my imagination runs a bit wild, but I still say it resembles a charging elephant....

Anyway, the best part of the beach was the encounters with the local seal colony! We didn't actually count how many were lingering about, but they were everywhere, and they were just as curious about us as we were about them.

We were able to get really close.

After hiking the coast for the first part of the day, we started our trip back to the Nelson area. Along the way, we hit a local brewpub and a magnificent machine of sausage. Those innovative Kiwis!

This bloke made home made sausage and sold it out of a vending machine during the hours when the shop was closed. Brilliant I say! Smoked lamb, beef, and pork sausage.....done!

Anyway, after my amazing sausage vending machine encounter, we decided to check out one of the local caves. This particular cave has not yet been fully explored by the Department of Conservation yet, and is a bit off the beaten path for most tourist. We found out why most tourist avoid the hike.... It was basically an hour hike strait up a mountain. I have never sweat so much in my life. The reward at the end was definitely worth it.

The cave opening itself looked like the rock was melting. Stalactites adorned the opening, and the depths of the cave we will never no. It was too dangerous to explore.