Day 11

Woke up early and had pancakes for breakfast with a good pan! Pack and clean up before leaving at 10am. Went to Fairwell Split for a walk to discover… a giant sand bar with long sand dunes. We got the rain and heavy wind while crossing the natural “desert” avoiding quicksand areas. We headed back to Takaka after walking to Wharariki beach and crossing hills of sheep paddocks. After having lunch we went to the Grove scenic reserve which was like the Labyrinth but bigger (more space, higher formations).

Afterwards we perused another phantom track, which ended with us on top of a mountain overlooking the Tasman and Golden bay. Given the hard drive it was unexpected to find a yoga place at the top and walk till a sheep farm (boring hill). We returned to Takaka for food and fuel before taking on the hilly drive back to Motueka. Stopping on the way to view Harwoods lookout we had one last sight of the Golden bay region. Ate dinner in Motueka then slept back at the caravan park near the resurgence.

Entree written by Marianne and Jack