Monday Jan 18, 2010 –
Trip over Takaka Hill

We had planned to go back over THE HILL again. There were things we did not see in the Golden Bay area that we wanted.

Our first stop was Hawkes Lookout at the top of THE HILL. We were able to see down the valley to Motueka. While on the walk to the lookout we found out about all the rock formations that were all around us. We did not notice them the first time through as it was raining. The acidic water had made some fascinating rock sculptures out of the marble.

Next we stopped at the Caves Ngarua and lookout. There we could see all the way to Kaiteriteri Beach. Again it is so hard to capture the grandeur on the landscape. We went on the cave tour. It was different as it was a dry cave. No running water through it. There had been lots of bones found there from many different land birds and animals. They would fall down a sink hole to the dark caves and die there. Because the temperature is an even 11° C and away from the elements the bones were well preserved. Some of the bones have been taken out. Now however, what is in the cave stays in the cave. Whole skeletons of very large birds – Moa (which is extinct)- have been found. There were some stairs up and down, small spaces and beautiful views. In the Cathedral section a lady started to sing "How Great Thou Art" soon everyone joined in. She had such a good voice. It was great. What bothered me the most was getting out. There was a 20 step ladder that went up to the exit. I was able to do climb it. It is amazing what you can do if you have no other choice.

We left there and finished the trip down THE HILL. We drove straight to the Pupu Springs.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Te_Waikoropupu_Springs It is the largest spring system in NZ and among the largest 100 in the world. The water is crystal clear. People are not allowed to touch the water in any way so that the water stays clear of noxious weeds or pests. The springs put out 14000 litres/sec. That is 40 bathtubs full a sec. The water comes up from an underwater limestone river system. The system is quite large. If it gets too dry some of the springs will stop running. We had a very nice walk to the spring and back again through the woods. It was so quiet with running water sounds in the back ground. We could not get pictures that really showed the specialness of the springs.

Off again to the Abel Tasman National Park to see the Wainui Falls. At the beginning the sign said a 40 minute walk. Off we went. The start we followed a farm road then veered off to follow a path that meandered beside the river. Some of the paths were wide and even. However, as we began to climb the paths narrowed considerably and became cluttered with rock outcroppings and tree roots. I was finding it a hard climb and was getting over heated. I did soldier on. There was a part that was covered with boulders. We were almost through that part when my foot slipped. I am so glad I didn't sprain my ankle. We came across a swing bridge which I crossed. It was difficult for me as I don't like these kind of bridges. One good thing was only one person can cross at a time. On and on we went. Finally we go to the falls. I actually didn't see the falls as you had to climb out on boulders to see the falls. I was so tired I thought I might injure myself if I went out there. Charles went out and took pictures. I was worried about the return journey as there were some tricky narrow sections with steep drop offs and no guard rails. It went a lot better than I though. Soon, we were back at the car park and in the air-conditioned car. I was so proud of myself for making up to the falls and back down.