Port Tarakohe and Totaranui

We stayed five nights at Port Tarakohe and were joined by Chris and Ian for some of that time. The days were spent exploring; Takaka township where I found a lovely little butcher shop, The Butcheress; Te Waikoropupu Springs which is still lovely but becoming filled with weed; a lovely walk at Patons Rock on a dreary misty day; a walk into Pohara and another around the Port. David was chuffed to be asked to go fishing with Dion O'Rourke, a Lions mate from our time in Wanaka, who lives in Pohara. Ian was pleased to go too. They had a successful day bringing home two good kahawai and five gurnard. They caught others but returned them to the sea. It was a beautiful calm day. The fish was delicious.
The drive into Totaranui was great given the recent weather. There's evidence of some big slips but none seemed to damage the roads rather they poured over the roads and were easily cleared.

The DOC camping ground is massive and remote. It's got over 200 camp sites and can cater for around 850 people! It's separated into sectors. There's a well set up ablutions block for every two sectors however the showers offer one temp only......COLD! Imagine that at New Years. Apparently it has a big number of young people celebrating! The golden sand beach will be heaving.
We walked to Skinner Point and explored the beach on the way.
We set up on the beach, after dinner one night, to watch for penguins but sadly didn't see any although there were footprints aplenty from the previous night.
We also enjoyed the set up fireplaces and once again toasted mini chocolate fish!

On our way out today we drove into Wainui Bay and walked out to the beach. It's really lovely! We followed that up with a walk to the Wainui Falls. We loved them both. It was disappointing that the last few steps on the Falls track were washed out so my knees weren't up to walking the last few meters around a corner to see the Falls. David clambered down some rocks and he walked the last wee bit and got good photos.
We're now back at Port Tarakohe for the night before we head back to Motueka/Blenheim/ / Nelson Lakes..... decision still pending!Read more