Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
country range from 1½ hours (to Pillar Point) to three hours (to Wharariki Beach), with
longer (including overnight) trips by arrangement.
On the road to Wharariki Beach you'll pass Wharariki Beach Holiday Park (
Click
Sleeping & Eating
There's little in the way of refreshment round these parts, so keep some cheese and crack-
ers up your sleeve.
Innlet Backpackers & Cottages
HOSTEL
$
(
027 891 7728, 03-524 8040;
www.theinnlet.co.nz
;
Collingwood-Puponga Rd, Pakawau; campsites from $23, dm/d
$31/73, cabins from $83; )
This absolute charmer is 10km from Collingwood on the
way to Farewell Spit. The main house has elegant backpacker rooms, and there are vari-
ous campsites and self-contained options, including a cottage that sleeps six. Explore the
local area on a bike or kayak, or venture out for a bushwalk on the property.
Somerset House
( 03-524 8624;
www.backpackerscollingwood.co.nz
;
10 Gibbs Rd, Collingwood; dm/s/d incl breakfast $30/46/72;
closed Jun-Sep; )
A small, low-key hostel in a bright, historic building on a hill with
views from the deck. Get tramping advice from the knowledgeable owners, who offer
track transport, free bikes and kayaks, and freshly baked bread for breakfast.
HOSTEL
$
Wharariki Beach Holiday Park
( 03-524 8507;
www.whararikibeachholidaypark.co.nz
;
campsites from $18, dm $25)
Right next to the
Wharariki Beach track trailhead - perfectly located for those who want a sunset walk -
this simple campsite offers basic facilities in a pretty setting. There are horses over the
fence, and fowl rambling through the grounds - avoid this place if peacock poo is an issue
for you.
HOLIDAY PARK
$
Old School Cafe
(1115 Collingwood-Puponga Rd, Pakawau; mains $14-31; 4pm-late Thu-Fri, 11am-late Sat & Sun)
These folks
get an A for effort by providing honest food to an unpredictable flow of passing trade.
What it lacks in imagination (steak, pizza and even a shrimp cocktail), it more than makes
up for with arty ambience, a garden bar and a welcoming disposition.
CAFE
$$