This weekend I went on another camper-van adventure. I set off late Saturday afternoon with plans to drive to Collingwood, spend the night somewhere along the coast, and set off at first light to explore around 80km of road to the East. A few weekends back I was near there but had continued north instead exploring the Cape Farewell/Wharariki area. The fact that I had driven past the turn-off to Wharariki Inlet didn't seem significant until I got home and checked the map. There was not only a huge inlet which was fed by several large rivers, but there were also two lakes and some beautiful beaches to explore as well. I was determined to reach the end of the road so I could be sure I hadn't missed anything. This little corner of the Nelson region seems to be a well kept secret probably because its on the way to nowhere; all roads lead to dead ends, and so much more...
First light from right outside the van door. I was standing on frosty ground in bare feet and longjohns to get this shot. I couldn't set the tripod up fast enough while dancing to keep my feet from freezing!
Under a pink sky at low tide the inlet looks like another planet.
The grasses and reeds around Whanganui Inlet, still white with frost...
...then the sun breaks over the crest of the distant hills and the whole scene changes colour, from white to golden.
Looking up under a Punga tree-fern.
One of the two Kaihoka Lakes
(click to enlarge) A stock-yard near the coast.
I watched this scene for a while, as I made a brew of coffee in the camper-van. I found myself wondering why I have never taken up surfing. One day...
9:28:58 PM 
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