Maclean's Reserve - A Spot to Stop Near Mot

Between Motueka and Tapawera is Maclean's Recreation Area - a large freedom camping spot, suitable for campers big and small (including tents). 

When we arrived I was surprised to see so much empty space - there were only a few campers. I'm guessing some were a family group, because close to their camper-van were several tents. And other than us, there were only a couple of buses parked near the end of the reserve.

The river was noticeably clean, and ideal for all ages and abilities - slow flowing with a few deep holes, perfect for paddling or swimming. What a bonus finding a river unaffected by toxic algae. 

Oakly and Boo love; having freedom to roam, to explore new places, to discover new smells, and during the warmer months cooling off in the river, is the icing on the cake. 

Oakly 

As the dogs scope out the area, I enjoy fossicking about, looking at the vegetation, watching insects, finding stones, in fact I enjoy checking a place out, as much as the dogs do.

While I was debating whether to have a swim or not, an inflatable boat came floating by.

It was packed with gear and the couple on board, waved out as they passed. They said they were searching for a spot further downstream to pull into, to camp for the night. 

When we left the reserve, I kept an eye out for the couple in their boat and eventually spotted them pulled in beside a little sandy beach. It seemed they'd found what they were looking for - a perfect place to pitch their tent.

Not long after, we arrived in Motueka and went to the NZMCA park, wondering if we might have left it too late and we'd find it was full. Fortunately we arrived just at the right time as there were only a few spots left. And what a bonus, it was a beaut spot at the edge of the park with a nice, flaxy outlook.

Later in the afternoon a cute, little visitor hopped by, and wasn't at all fazed by us. Luckily the dogs were snoozing or they would have been keen for a chase (not that I would have let them).

As the sun was setting we wandered around the estuary. 

Of course the dogs were fizzing because they could smell rabbits and were zipping in and out of bushes. And when they eventually reappeared ... they'd changed colour! They were covered in thick, black, smelly mud! Bernie was not at all impressed. 😂 LOL

Luckily there was a tap nearby so I was able to get most of the mud off. 

After a nice, warm shower back in the bus, both dogs smelt divine and ended the night tired and content after their day of adventuring.

Kayaking

Our Christmas present to each other were kayaks. We were itching for the weather to settle so we could use them. Eventually, the wind died down, so we strapped the kayaks onto the trailer to christen them on the Takaka River.

Boo went with Bernie and I had Oakly. Paddy was happy to swim along behind. We may have been dreaming by thinking the dogs would perch themselves on the kayaks and calmly watch the scenery float by.

Oakly was semi-settled but Boo was keen to jump into the river or onto my kayak. Eventually she leapt overboard - into the swiftest part! And off she went ... 

Not being strong enough to swim out of the current, Bernie quickly went to her rescue. Being a determined and somewhat stubborn wee dog she declined assistance and insisted on swimming to shore.

The riverbank consisted of fallen branches, which prevented Boo from climbing up the side. Bernie reached out to help her. He was waist deep when he tried to jump back into his kayak ... and....up tipped the kayak and over he went!

My laughter sounded much louder than I meant it to, as it echoed off the rocks! 

Bainham Store & Sailsbury Falls

Bainham Store is nestled in the heart of the Aorere Valley, 15 minutes inland from Collingwood on the way to the Heaphy track.

This general store and post office have been providing essentials to the Bainham community and travellers since 1928.

The store has been in the same Langford family for four generations, since it opened in 1928.  Edward Langford was the initial proprietor, followed by his grand-daughter Lorna who ran the store and post office for 63 years. Lorna retired in May of 2008,

handing over the reins to Sukhita Langford, who hopes to do both the community and family proud by continuing the traditions that her great grandfather instilled more than 80 years ago.

The storeroom has been turned into a gallery space for local artists to exhibit their work.

The gallery is stacked with a great collection of nostalgic items, which all add to the charm and beauty of the historic store.

Time has worn the outside of Langfords Store, but inside time has stood still. Memorabilia, dry goods, books, sewing bobbins, gumboots, old posters, old price lists and crockery compete for attention from stacked shelves and walls in the tiny Golden Bay shop.

The post office beside the shop is also worth a visit. It’s like stepping back in time!

As we climbed back into the car we noticed a road sign indicating a swing bridge 5kms up the road towards the start of the Heaphy track. We decided to go and take a look.

The swing bridge no longer exists as it was swept away in the 2010 flood. Despite there being little evidence of any swing bridge the trip wasn't wasted. We followed a track across a farm paddock which led to a rocky path winding down to the Aorere River. What a magnificent swimming hole. The water was deep and crystal clear. 

To the right and tucked behind a ledge of rocks was a waterfall, 'Salisbury Falls'. Water crashed over the edge of a rocky ledge into a small pool below. The pool narrowed to a stream and flowed into the Aorere River. 

The still air along with the sun's heat convinced Bernie to strip off and join Paddy in the river. The only reason he didn't scream after he dived in was because some other visitors had arrived. According to Bernie, the water was so cold it took his breath away. That didn't stop Paddy from spending the next half an hour chasing any stones that were skimmed into the water.

Finding the Salisbury falls and this amazing swimming place was the highlight of my day. I'd definitely recommend going there even if you don't intend having a dip.

Lee Valley

The Lee Valley in Brightwater has lots of clean, deep, swimming holes to choose from and the dogs love it. They know where they are going when we turn off at Brightwater, and they start whining with excitement.

Super Hot in Nelson!

Wow! It was forecast that the South Island would have high temps today. And we certainly did! I don't know how people in Aussie manage living with temps this high. When Bernie got home from work we took the dogs to the Lee Valley for a swim. The water was like a bath!

Wild daisies growing among the rocks.

Wild flowers

Wild flowers are stunning!