Around Takaka

Pupu Springs

My plan for the day had been to revisit some of the sights around here, and discover some new ones.  Talking to my hosts, some proved too much to fit into the day.  It was just the driving as some would involve a long walk from the carpark.

I invited Simon, an Australian-born Cambodian Chinese to join me for the day.  It was about a 10 min drive to Pupu Springs (officially Waikoropupu Springs).  It is one of the clearest bodies of water in the world.  To maintain that, and due to its sacred nature to Maori, no one is allowed to touch it or swim in it.

We walked the long way through the beautiful native forest to get to the spring and thereafter, exited through the short path.  It was a very pleasant 20 mins or so.

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Chilling & Other Explorations

Simon had been invited by Peter to drop in for a visit.  Peter is a Brit who spends 3 months a year in Takaka.  He had dropped by Autumn Farm yesterday and seems to be a lovely person.  After a cuppa, we decided we’d go for a picnic lunch.

I was sent to get a few items while Peter readied himself after a hot sweaty bike ride.  Simon stayed behind.  They took longer than expected which meant I ended up waiting at Autumn Farm with the picnic for over an hour before they turned up.

We drove to Tata Beach in Peter’s car and set ourselves up with seats for our light picnic lunch.  The weather today hadn’t been as good as yesterday and it was clouding over even more.  We didn’t linger too much on the beach after as it was getting cool.

Peter showed us the Grove Scenic Reserve on the way back.  It comprised of lush forest, rocks/boulders and a lookout.  Very beautiful and very worth the visit.

We spent the afternoon in Peter’s lovely backyard overlooking the neighbour’s green pasture before sharing a couple of delicious pizzas at a place called Dangerous.

Back at Autumn Farm, heading to-and-from between the ablution block and the dormitory in the dark, I couldn’t help but notice how beautiful the stars are.  It’s nice to be in the countryside away from light pollution.