Mon, 30th Mar, 2026 (part3) Motueka Beach Reserve, Motueka to Uruwhenua Reserve by Takaka River, near Takaka, NZ (Farewell Spit, Abel Tasman NP)

Through farms. Clouds everywhere now. Mountains to our left and over the right is the Cook Strait.

Across Parapara Estuary causeway - tide’s out.

Climb through forest of Milnthorpe on the other side of the big estuary.

Reached the t-intersection by the water. Left turn goes to Farewell Spit and the top end of Heaphy Track that we read about at the top of the West Coast Road. We will come back to Collingwood on our return.

Left around swamp area. Straight on goes to Aorere which is an old goldmining area with hiking tracks. We turn right and across Aorere River flows out over a wide area at Collingwood.

Lots of one lane bridges in a row as we continued on. Scary looking road up Mt Burnett - not marked on Wikicamps.

The wind has come up - blowing down off the mountains. Through farms again.

The tide goes out a long way as we pass through Pakawau Beach. Nice homes, accommodation places on the beach side and farms on the mountain side.

Alongside an estuary (Pakawau Inlet) to our left as we go along a spit with homes then across the bridge to continue along the coast again. The tide is well out.

More views as we continue along the coastline. We can see the Farewell Spit land in the distance.

Hilly point and little islands at Puponga.

There are a few homes, van park and farms. Across Freemans Crossing Bridge over the inlet. Hills have nice bluffs.

Up the hill to the Puponga Farm Park. They have Cattle Stops rather than Grids in NZ.

There is a car park for those who want to walk to the Spit - lots of choices. Great photo so that saved us the walk and we can’t see it like the photo unless you are in a plane or have a drone. There is a 6km gravel road that takes you to the beach on the west coast and further on to Cape Farewell which is the most northern point. This will have to do us. There are 5 hour guided tours as well. Info from their brochure. The spit is more than 30kms in length.

Checked out a lovely photo of the boys that Annalise posted. A photographer friend took it for her.

Wandered onto the beach to explore. Looking back down the coastline towards Collingwood.

Walked further along and scanned along Farewell Spit.

Lots of shells here.

Back to car park and back down the hill, across bridge, better photos of estuary etc. Spotted a little cave.

The little island and an eagle soaring. Clouds thinning out with the wind. Headed back towards Collingwood.

Lots of black swans about too.

Across the smallest length bridge at Soggy Bottom Farm - haha.

Mt Barnett view from this side.

The tide is slowly coming in.

Cute little shack.

View across the estuary to Collingwood. Spoonbills working the creek - missed the photo.

Across the four 1 lane bridges again then over Aorere River again.

Continued on to Collingwood. Old wharf by the road. View across to the boat ramp.

Into town. Did a block around the base as the houses climb up the hill. Some old buildings, murals and quirky shops. There is a van park on the point.

Headed back to Takaka. Nice reflection as we cross the Takaka River again.

The River Inn isn’t by the river but it is on the road where the Waitapu Wharf goes out into the estuary.

Back to Takaka and passed the dairy place again and onto Abel Tasman Drive as we head to mountains.

Through farms and small villages to Pohara Beach overlooking Cook Strait. Along the foreshore. Penguins cross the road around here.

Passed the big marina and under rocky overhangs.

Through a natural ‘tunnel’.

Then the climb up the hill to the car park for the Abel Tasman Memorial. Only a small carpark. Up hill walk to a platform with information and fantastic views over Cook Strait and Ligar Bay.

Zigzag road exposing the Karst Limestone.

Headed back - love the rocky coastline and view back to the mountains.

Back to Takaka then headed back through the green pastures to the freedom camp in Uruwhenua Reserve. Across Lindsay’s Bridge over the Takaka River.

Down the road overlooking the camping area. A few other travellers are set up. Got a spot for the night.

Walked down to the river. Big river stones. A couple were having a ‘dip’. A bit refreshing she said.

Back to the camper. I noticed green grass on the other side of the bollards so went to investigate. It lead to a picnic table then a tent with an armchair. Someone must mow it occassionally. Shame its not more noticeable for people to use. No access down to the water though.

Back to the camper for late drinkies as we read our books. Our route for today.

Found an ‘app’ for Street Libraries - there are 2 in Nelson so we will check them out and swap books.