A Tropical Paradise

About an hours drive from Nelson is a little seaside settlement named Marahau. Its golden beaches and blue skies make it feel like a tropical paradise.

The dogs and I loved the beach. There are two beaches, one at the beginning of Marahau (on the right as you reach this popular holiday spot) and the other is past the rocky lined foreshore. The second beach runs towards the National Park. Both beaches are dog friendly.

The tide was out when we arrived and as it came in, the water heated up as it traveled over the sand. It truly felt like a bath.

Oakly couldn't get enough of being in the water, he just swam and swam.

As I was wading about knee depth, I noticed quite a few crabs doing their sideways scuttle across the sand. I didn't particularly want one to walk over my foot so I reassured myself that they'd be more scared of me than the other way around.
But as Murphy's Law had it - that tickle on my foot, did turn out to be a crab! No screaming occurred - hahaha

We had lunch watching the kayakers coming in from a day of paddling around Abel Tasman. One company owner, said he was picking up 60 kayakers in the next half hour! And that was only one of the many companies that we saw collecting them.

A line of tractors were parked along the foreshore with their boat trailers attached, waiting to collect the boats as they came back. It's surprising how far out they go. Imagine what the sea water would do to them!

And then there were the tourists arriving in water taxis after a day walking the Abel Tasman. Marahau thrives with tourists and holiday makers - tourism is now its main focus. Years ago tobacco farming and hops (for beer) were the main source of income for the area.

We parked the bus a few hundred metres further along, and walked along the northern beach, which was also super warm! The photo below was our view when we opened the door of the bus.

Not only was the view spectacular, we had some tunes to back it up. Sitting up on the rocks was a guy strumming his guitar.

I just couldn't get enough of the golden sand, the colourful shells, warm water and awesome views.

Close to 4pm, the water became a hive of activity - a busy time for kayakers and water taxis.

Before we left, I walked along the path that borders the foreshore. Seats are placed at regular intervals providing spots to enjoy the scenery.

I mentioned to Bernie how nice it was to see kids out biking and playing (instead of being indoors in front of a device/screen). One particular boy kept popping up. I first saw him as he was dropped off by the school bus, I noticed him because his Dad was there to meet him and they were obviously pleased to see each other. Ten minutes later I saw him racing around on his bike with his mate (or brother?). Then he appeared again with his buddy playing on the end of the pier. As we were driving out, I spotted him again with his sister - they'd taken a blow up paddling pool down to the beach and were using it as a boat. Fun times! So good to see.

When it was time to leave, we'd barely driven a hundred metres before Boo found herself a cosy spot, snuggled up on the couch. After a busy day exploring, swimming and rolling in the sand she was ready for a serious nap.

If you're thinking of staying in Marahau, there are a couple of campgrounds to choose from. The first you'll come across is the 'Marahau Beach Camp' which is about 100m from the foreshore and is close to the departure point for sea kayaking and water taxi trips.

The second is 'Old Macdonalds Farm Holiday Park,' which is located along the Marahau River, in a farm setting. Dogs are allowed between 1st March to 1st December. 'Old Macdonalds Farm Holiday Park' is close to the start of the Abel Tasman Track.

Picturesque Lake Pukaki

Whenever I see Lake Pukaki I'm in awe of its beauty. Huge snowy peaked mountains provide a stunning backdrop, while the turquoise blue water is truly breath-taking. 

On a day without wind the reflections are amazing.

Lake Pukaki was created by a receding glacier, huge glacial rock blocked the valleys. As it's glacial fed it has a distinctive blue colour, created by glacial flour (finley ground rock particles from the glaciers).

The lake's fed by the braided Tasman River which runs from the Tasman and Hooker Glaciers near Mount Cook. 

When we were staying at Lake Tekapo NZMCA park, Ian McGregor and his wife Vicky called in to meet us. Ian had messaged me in Methven to tell me about Awa Awa Reserve with lots of colourful rhododendrons growing amongst native bush. It was nice meeting up with them. When they heard we were hoping to find a place to stay at Lake Pukaki they suggested driving along Hayman Road,  there're lots of freedom camping spots all along the lakeside.

We found a great spot overlooking the lake - with gorgeous views from every window. If you're reading this Ian & Vicky, thanks for another great recommendation. It's perfect.

Not only do we love it here, the dogs do too. Paddy loves being near the water, although we're careful with how much he's in the water now since he became unwell. The two little dogs absolutely adore being in rabbit country. We've had to put the dog fencing up or we'd lose them down a rabbit hole.

The weather has been incredibly hot and although Lake Pukaki is a glacier fed lake, it hasn't stopped us from having swims to cool off. And we've been kayaking most days, it's pretty special paddling on clear, icy blue water and seeing Mount Cook at the head of the lake.

Other than us being in and on the lake the only other boat we've seen on it is the H2Explore Hovercraft. It seats 10 people plus a pilot. The hovercraft was constructed in Saint Petersburg by a Russian company. 

Using a hovercraft means the riverbed and shoreline won't need any structures as no launching platform is needed. It's the only vessel to travel between water and land without disturbing the natural riverbed.

The day we watched it, it was obvious they were experiencing some mechanical problems. It was making a tremendous noise and although capable of traveling at speeds of up to 70kms, on this particular day it was barely making headway.

Further along Hayman Road (about 500metres) is the Tekapo B Power Station. Huge penstocks come down from the hillside and enter the power station. Lake Pukaki is part of the Waitaki hydroelectric scheme. A canal running from Lake Tekapo feeds water into the power station on Lake Pukaki's eastern shore.

The penstocks carry the water from the canal into the power station. 

Just before the power station there's another road on the right, which leads to the salmon farms. Bernie caught a few salmon and was surprised at the size of some he saw swimming in the canal. I couldn't get a photo because he'd cut them into steaks before he came home. 

Bernie's daughter, Renee, came to stay for a few days. They had a special father/daughter time - kayaking, swimming, bike-riding and catching up. 

The sunrises and sunsets make the beginning and end of days extra special.

Sunset

Sunrise

The golden hour made the burnt, dried off grass around the rig a rich, golden colour.

I love the moods that the lake and weather bring. From dark, stormy skies to sunshine and people literally dancing for joy!

While we're staying in the area I'll try night photography. This area boasts one of the world's cleanest, driest and darkest skies. Perfect conditions for lots of practise. This photo was taken by resting my camera on a rock (at that stage I couldn't find my tripod, I knew I'd packed it but couldn't remember where!). Not ideal conditions because it was cloudy, so no shots of any stars.