Posts Tagged ‘Farewell Spit’


I looked at the road switching its way up above me, and laughed with joy. My body felt strong, the sun was shining, and the music was pumping in my ears. I felt on top of the world – and after the climb, I was.

The switchbacks of the road ahead

I get a rush from the exertion, doing something most people can’t do. It makes me happy.

After the first switchback
After the 2nd switchback
After the 3rd switchback
The top

Before the climb, a few hours were spent at the town of Takaka, swapping out dead brakepads and eating to get some energy for the climb.

Dead brakepads

I’m staying with Jake in Motueka – a cyclist I met on day one of this trip. We shared cycling stories, and he gave some tips for my road ahead.


The northwest part of the South Island of New Zealand looks like a kiwi. I am staying just under the start of the beak – at the base of a 30km spit of sand. I had a busy day exploring it, the nearby cliff faces and the famous Wharariki Beach.

Farewell Spit

I cycled out from the end of the Heaphy Trail and back to civilisation – the town of Collingwood. The weather has changed – the sun has decided to shine and the rain has stopped.

I left my accommodation at 1pm with a mission. To see as much as possible. The Farewell Spit.

Farewell Spit
Farewell Spit

The cliff faces looking over the Spit.

View out over the Farewell Spit

And Wharariki Beach.

Wharariki Beach
Wharariki Beach
Wharariki Beach

I returned to the beach for sunset.

Wharariki Beach at sunset
Wharariki Beach at sunset
Wharariki Beach at sunset

It’s been a long day. Tomorrow begins my trek to Picton where the ferry is waiting to take me to Wellington and my flight home.