Karamea, Cobb Valley and Farewell

The coast north to Karamea was wild and beautiful and the DOC site at the south end of the Heaphy provided a good base from which to explore the palm fringed beaches, admire marine life and then walk the Oparara limestone basin with superb scenery and features that are very much undersold.

With the move to North Island fast approaching we then headed round to the Tasman area to spend a week in the Cobb Valley reached via a narrow winding road and then a gravel track that crossed the ridge bringing us to a DoC site at the head of the valley from where we enjoyed the Mount Peel Track and our coldest night yet with a severe frost. We were cosy in the well insulated van and the good weather rewarded us with walks to Lake Sylvester and a circuit to Asbestos Cottage where a remarkable couple had lived miles from anywhere for 37 years in total simplicity.

We have just enjoyed a few days at the excellent Wharariki campsite ( www.wharariki.co.nz ) and explored Farewell Spit on foot and horseback - wonderful views, superb beaches and great people.

Limited internet here so a shorter update but hopefully pics at the link as ever.

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/sjarratt5/TheNorthOfTheSouth?feat=directlink