Off to the West Coast

Two highlights were planned on today’s trip: the Buller Gorge Swingbridge and the Tauranga Bay Seal Colony.

The Buller Gorge

I started from Nelson on the Kohatu-Kawatiri Highway. The first stop was on the Hope Saddle, which gave an expansive view into the northern tip of the island. As I continued in a south-westerly direction to the Buller river, rain clouds moved in. The rain was heavy at times. Nevertheless, navigating the winding drive through the gorge was breathtaking – lots of “wow” moments!

Cape Foulwind and Tauranga Bay

The weather gods showed mercy when I climbed the walkway to the Cape Foulwind lighthouse and the seal colony lookout in Tauranga Bay. Luckily, I didn’t get wet, my legs enjoyed the exercise. When I approached the seal rocks, I first heard them, then smelled them. It was actually quite difficult to spot them for they were so well camouflaged.

The route then lead me further south along the coastal drive. A stop in Pararoa National Park and the Pankake Rocks had to be postponed to the next day. Had I stopped, I would’ve definitely got soaking wet.