Fri, 20th Mar, 2026 (part2) Powerline gravel pit by Waikukupa River to Freedom camp, Kakapotahi-Waitaha River mouth, NZ (Lakes, rivers & history)

Continued northward through farms then across the Tatare River.

Five km on we pulled off to check out Lake Mapourika - apparently misspelt with the ‘a’ at the end so also shown with the ‘i’ at the end - confusing. Not much room to park. There is a jetty and a small tour boat was heading off for a cruise. A couple were heading in for a swim. They said it was lovely after running here from town - practicing for a triathlon next weekend.

Checked out odometer - we have travelled 3159km so far. Continued around the edge of the lake - lined with trees so no views.

Pulled in for a look at the DOC campground - Ottos Corner at the north end of the lake and near McDonalds Creek. Numbered bays again and plenty of room. Across McDonalds Creek.

Continued through the forests and some small farms on the flats. Into a narrow valley with the Okarito River which flows from Lake Mapourika on our left - dark tannin colour.

Turned off the main highway to head to the coast. At The Forks we cross the Okarito River. It carries on to a big basin on the coast.

We continued on the 10km of narrow winding road to Okarito village. No room to get off if we meet someone and the edges are very wet! Luckily we didn’t meet anyone. Over a causeway to Okarito Lagoon. Some people having a paddle.

Pulled into the boat ramp area. Some info and a pretty sunset photo.

Walked out onto the shed platform for a look and found lots of history information inside. Gold - will have to keep and eye out on the beaches!

Then some more outside. Lovely spot. Clouds covering the Southern Alps now.

Heard a plane then watched it take off from the small grass strip.

Drove into the village. There are accommodation places, homes and fishing shacks, apparently they call them Baches (sounds like Batches) instead of shacks. Or a Hut like this one. Wetland and Kiwi tours are available and kayaking too.

At the park I found more info like the ones we saw in Franz Josef.

We have seen flax everywhere we have travelled.

Drove to the base of the cliff to walk to the beach. Lots of rocks but no gold!

Back through the village to a monument to the early explorers.

Further along I noticed another history sign by the old store.

Headed back out. Passed the Kiwi Habitat site - another night time thing like the glow-worms.

Back to onto the main highway along the edge of Lake Wahapo. Stopped for a cuppa at the lookout (according to Wikicamps) which was just a pull-off area.

Continued on and saw there was a lookout but we missed the turn off. Heavy clouds covering the Southern Alps.

Back along the side of another river - Waitangitahuna. Across a two lane bridge for a change.

Through a big wide area with grazing cattle. Into the township of Whataroa - Gateway to the South Westland. A couple of info boards.

Looks like big ‘tree’ slides have left big scars on the mountains.

Across the Whataroa River - another two lane bridge. Brilliant blue water. Old bridge upstream.

There was a history thing on Wikicamps but we had missed the turn off before the bridge. Back over the river then up the track towards the mountains. It led us to the old bridge and a container where chopper flights to Mt Cook would leave from. No history here but it was mentioned on the boards back in town. This bridge was opened 12 March 1909.

Maybe the walls are the result of gold sluicing in the old days.

The road continues for hikes through private property, hence the gate.

When you look on Wikicamps map the river has many rivulets - hence they call it braided like hair I suppose.

Everywhere the scenery has been lovely as we drive along. Continued along this winding road about the base of Mt Hercules. Flat for a while then a steep climb then slowly down again to the flats and more farms.

Across the Poerua River.

Along to Harihari. Lots of information here.

I saw a memorial plaque in St James Church in Franz Joseph that mentioned the Vicar and his sister drowning. I thought it was strange they were in the north island, not realising there are two rivers with the same name.

Big display about Guy Menzie’s solo flight across the Tasman Sea in 1931. Not a very dignified landing! Replica in the shed. Hard to read the rest of the info in there too.

Nearby is a lovely mosaic park.

Continued on and across the Wanganui River. One-lane bridge over the very wide river. There is a pull over section in the middle to allow vehicles to pass.

Turned off to find the hot and cold water spots along the river. Wikicamps says there is a nice spot called Amethyst Hot Spring too. We parked at the power station building which had info about the power scheme. Very interesting reading. Doesn’t look much like a power station, just the substation. 

The tunnel and penstocks are up in that mountain.

Walked along the track and across the little creek. Nice walk. Steve went down to try the water in case there was a hot spring but no it was cold too.

Back to the camper and back to the main road again. Through lush green pastures with the wide river floodplain to our left as it meanders its way to the Tasman Sea. On the right the majestic Southern Alps mountains loomed above us.

Next stop is Lake Ianthe - another DOC campground site which was a very small area right beside the road and it still costs $15 each per night. We continued along the lake edge to another Wikicamps LO - not! Just a pull over spot and a muddy track through to the lake. Nice view from here but not really a lookout!

Continued on through the forest going up and down. Down this time to cross the Waitaha River - two strips of water.

Turned left then to head to the coast. Across the Kakapotahi River - it joins the Waitaha River further west to flow into the Tasman Sea from the one opening.

Onto Beach Road through green pastures with lots of beef cattle. Into the scenic reserve where there is a freedom camp for self-contained vehicles. Very popular as there hasn’t been any freedom camping for a while. Found a spot and got out our drinks and nibbles. This is the route for today.

Time for a walk to the beach. Our camp spot against the fence.

Obviously you can drive down onto the beach. This couple are brave bringing their old van down here. Lots of dead trees and dark grey sand.

To the south is the Kakapotahi-Waitaha River mouth area so we headed that way. Further than I thought! Mountain views.

Nice rock - has a green streak through it - jade?

The tree trunk looks like it is hugging a rock slab.

Big trees trunks and it had been cut.

Continued along the beach - covered in branches.

Over the rise and I see river water.

There is a stream coming in from that lagoon we passed coming onto the beach. The sand is built up high here as the stream goes around the edge.

The channels of Kakapotahi and Waitaha Rivers flow down into a fast moving mouth around the point of the high bank.

Found a cute ‘hat’ rock.

Walked back via another track and found lots of yellow flowers - Gorse?

Back to the beach and chatted with a couple fishing. They are from Greymouth and are in that caravan on the beach. He is using a drone to take his hook out to sea. No luck yet. Hoping for Snapper.

Back to the camper for dinner. Nice view out our sliding door.

I went back down for a West Coast sunset - slack Steve stayed in the camper with his book.

Chatted with a lady from Cambridge on the North Island. That’s where Steve’s relations live. She is heading to Cromwell for a van club gathering. Lovely sunset except for the sandflies!

Back to the camper. More travellers trying to find a spot for the night. After dark more came in and parked beside us on the road.

All quiet so we can hear the waves hitting the beach.