Some days just call for a big red!

...and of course it has to be an Australian one. Even the Kiwis admit that they can’t make them although my market research into NZ Sav Blancs confirm that they are pretty damn good. But the reds....nah!

Solo Senior has spent 3 delightful days in Golden Bay, not commonly on Aussie tourists’ radar, but it should be. Roma has been parked at Pohara Beach, enjoying her view of the sea and knowing she has to go only 20 metres to dip her wheels in the ocean even if she elected not to because the water is cold.

Takaka, the nearest town is largely inhabited by arties and crusties (Aussies would call the latter ferals). Lots of dreadlocks, beads and daggy clothes, but cute shops and movie theatre (below) and great coffee, especially at Wholemeal Cafe.

The best journey to take is an Eco tour of a 30 km sand spit and estuary, about 50 kms north of Takaka. The sand spit (Farewell Spit) is a nature reserve so only the tour company has access, in the big red bus (see below). Lots of bird life, lazy seals, great rocks and wonderful stories from a real local who just loves the area – the best kind of tour.

Then it was back to Motueka, a more sophisticated version of Takaka, but very close to Kaiteriteri where the famed Abel Tasman Coastal walk begins. I am doing the walk in 3 sections and am transported by boat and then returned safely to Roma each evening. So today I walked 13 km of this grand track, accompanied by two young women – one Scot (called Heather would you believe) and one Swiss. It was in fact the most social day I have had. Lots of people on the track and I also met up again with a couple from the Eco tour. So after a day’s walking, a half hour in the spa and a glass of Aussie red, I am ready for bed. Unfortunately it is only 5:30, so I have to wait. In the mean time, you can enjoy the photos of today’s walk. Two more days to go – will the red last that long?

My walking companions - Vanessa and Heather

PS

The red is still going after a second day of walking. Only 10 km today and it took 2 hours so I could catch the boat on its return journey and explore beautiful Kaiteriteri, recommended by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s top beaches. It is gorgeous.