Takaka was our destination today and to get there we had to go over the Takaka hill. A very high, long, steep, windy and slow road. Eventually we reached the summit and walked about 10 minutes to a lookout which gave us the most magnificent long range views over the valley below. Many bellbirds, tuis, and a very interesting black fantail along the walk.
Checked into the Golden Bay Motel after a late morning tea at the Wholemeal Cafe. The best hot cross buns liberally sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Our apartment here is clean and nice but our bedrooms are very small. Our suitcases are out in the small lounge! Back to the Wholemeal Cafe for mouth watering seafood chowder before driving a short distance to Pu Pu Springs. Pu Pu Springs are the largest fresh water springs in the southern hemisphere with volume and clarity and purity of water. Another lovely little walk through the native bush to get to the springs. The volumes of crystal clear water welling up is amazing and it forms its own river as it flows away. A very special place.
On our return we called in at the supermarket and stocked up for the next two days breakfast, lunch tomorrow, wine, etc. we then took a stroll through the town but because it was Saturday afternoon after 2 pm most of the interesting shops were closed. Takaka has a long history with many buildings dating from late 1800s and early 1900s. It is an area which attracts many arts crafts people and artisans as well as alternative lifestyle people. There are also many excellent murals on building walls.
Relaxed in our apartment with Bill and John watching the rugby between the Chiefs and the Cheetahs.
The Wholemeal Cafe where we ate the most delicious meals.
The colourful trunk of a young Matai (NZ black Pine)
A portion of a mural in Takaka
Looking down through a great depth of water to where water is welling up at Pu Pu Springs
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