Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DON'T MISS
FAREWELL SPIT
Bleak, exposed and positively sci-fi,
Farewell Spit
is a wetland of international importance and a renowned bird
sanctuary - the summer home of thousands of migratory waders, notably the godwit (which flies all the way from
the Arctic tundra), Caspian terns and Australasian gannets. The 35km beach features colossal, crescent-shaped
dunes, from where panoramic views extend across Golden Bay and a vast low-tide salt marsh. Walkers can ex-
plore the first 4km of the spit via a network of tracks (see DOC's
Farewell Spit
brochure), but beyond that point
access is via tours, scheduled according to tide.
The human hub of the spit is the visitor centre-cum-cafe where there's plenty of parking. It's a convenient spot
to write a postcard over a coffee, especially on an inclement day.
Farewell Spit Eco Tours
( 03-524 8257, 0800 808 257;
www.farewellspit.com
; Tasman St, Collingwood;
tours $120-155) Operating for nearly 70 years, Paddy and his expert guides run tours ranging from two to 6½
hours, departing from Collingwood, taking in the spit, lighthouse, and up to 20 species of bird which may include
gannets and godwits. Expect ripping yarns aplenty.
Farewell Spit Nature Experience
( 03-524 8992, 0800 250 500;
www.farewellspittours.com
;
Pakawau; tours
$120-145) This air-conditioned operator runs a four-hour tour departing from Farewell Spit Visitor Centre, and a
six-hour option leaving from the Old School Cafe, Pakawau.
Collingwood & Around
Far-flung Collingwood (population 250) is the last town in this part of the country, and
has a real end-of-the-line vibe. It's busy in summer, though for most people it's simply a
launch pad for the Heaphy Track or trips to Farewell Spit.
The
Collingwood Museum
(Tasman St; admission by donation; 10am-4pm)
fills a tiny, unstaffed
corridor with a quirky collection of saddlery, Maori artefacts, moa bones, shells and old
typewriters, while the
Aorere Centre
next door houses multimedia presentations, including
the works of the wonderful pioneer photographer, Fred Tyree.
No Collingwood visit would be complete without visiting
Rosy Glow
(54 Beach Rd; chocolates
$3-5; 10am-5pm Sat-Thu)
. Chocoholics: this is your cue. Don't miss it!
A foray to Farewell Spit is essential. From there, follow the signs to
Wharariki Beach
(6km unsealed road, then a 20-minute walk through Puponga Farm Park). It's a wild intro-
duction to the West Coast, with mighty dune formations, looming rock islets just offshore
and a seal colony at its eastern end. As inviting as a swim here may seem, be warned that
there are strong undertows.
Befitting a frontier, this is the place to saddle up: head to
Cape Farewell Horse Treks
(
03-524 8031;
www.horsetreksnz.com
; McGowan St, Puponga;
treks from $75)
. Treks in this wind-blown
