Day 10 Nelson/ Golden Bay/Farewell Spit (3/12/13)

Today up and out early to travel back toward Abel Tasman, but farther north and west to Wharariki Beach and Farewell Spit. This took us over the "Takaka Hill", which is really a mountain. Lots of winding roads and gorgeous vistas. We drove all the way to the beach first, which you accessed by walking through pastures, laddered steps over fences, and grassy sand dunes. The tide was high so no access to the caves and tunnels there, and no seal pups...but pretty. Another short drive and hike to Cape Farewell with cliff views, then on to the Farewell Spit, a finger of land important in bird migration.

Several stops on the way back toward Takaka; Te Waikoropupu Springs- natural huge springs (14,000 liters/second) that are supposed to be the clearest spring water in the world. The Grove is a natural limestone and gnarly tree area- like Tom Sawyer's Island on steroids. Lots of tunnels, crazy trees and vines.

Back over the pass (lots of driving) to have dinner in Mapua again, overlooking the tidal river. We intended to drive farther toward the west coast, but couldn't find room availability on the Internet, so we are again in the Nelson area for the night.

Tomorrow will be another long car day, but we will be on the coast, seeing blow holes and the western side of the "Alps", ending at Fox Glacier for the night.