W is for Wharariki Beach: a remote paradise

A beach with soul.
Remote Wharariki Beach.
The access is a kilometre of walking through farm lands, through forest and then over an impressive stretch of the fine white sand. Once at the beach we breathed deeply, strolled along the firm sand, wandered in and out of caves and took in the quiet peace, the sun was fierce, the sea was warm and the waves gentle.
As Inel recently wrote  - so good to be alive....

A is for Archway Islands: marvellous rocky outcrops of the North West of South Island, New Zealand

We were treated to magnificent views of the Archway Islands while walking the paths around Wharariki Beach located just below Cape Farewell here at the top of South Island in New Zealand.

The weather cleared and we had a hot and sunny afternoon enjoying these rocky islands that dominate the local scenery and create a magnet for tourism.

The wave cut action of the monumental rocky outcrops are wonderful to experience as it the interplay of light and wave action, Fred was having a joyous time with his camera.

F is for Farewell Spit: views across Inner and Outer Beach

Inner Beach of Farewell Spit from Farewell Cafe 

Cliff scenery of the North West coastline of South Island.

Our exploring of the far north west  corner of South Island started with grey skies and strong easterlies so we sheltered in a cafe with coffee and took in the vastness of the views across Farewell Spit.

The coastline is rugged and verdant green and we enjoyed the walk up to the lookout point at Pillar Lighthouse.

The story of the Asian - Australian bird migration is so interesting, with many thousands of godwits and knots feeding here having migrated from Alaska and Siberia.

We did see plenty of the Bar-tailed Godwits, also thousands of South Island Pied Oystercatchers and rather surprisingly plenty of Black Swans too.

Outer Beach of Farewell Spit from the cliff walk.

South Island Pied Oystercatchers along Golden Bay