Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 027 891 7728, 03-524 8040;
www.theinnlet.co.nz
; Collingwood-Puponga Rd, Pakawau; camp-
sites 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 various 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
HOSTEL $
( 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 knowledge-
able owners, who offer track transport, free bikes and kayaks, and freshly baked bread
for breakfast.
Wharariki Beach Holiday Park
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.
Old School Cafe
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.
Getting There & Away
from Takaka to Collingwood (25 minutes).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Kahurangi National Park
Kahurangi - 'blue skies' in one of several translations - is the second-largest of NZ's na-
tional parks, and also one of its most diverse. Its most eye-catching features are geologic-
