Our family thoroughly enjoyed exploring these caves. We loved the feeling of stepping back in time and wondering at the limestones features of stalactities and stalagmites. Our tour guide was great and really captivated the childrens interest.
Ngarua Cave was discovered by bushmen clearing the hillside of scrub, after a bushfire had destroyed the surrounding bush. The early settlers visited the cave by horse coach. As visitors destroyed and removed stalactites and wrote their names on the formations, the cave was locked up for several years. The latest development of the cave is a second entrance, allowing one way tours through the cave.
In awe of it all.
Having a feel of the rock in the touch zone
In the cave several remains of the famous birds of New Zealand were found. A complete skeleton of a Moa is on display.
But the limestone recrystallised which changed its grain and colour. The rock is about 450 Million years old. The
marble is quarried near Ngarua Cave and was used to build several buildings in New Zealand: Parliament Buldings, the Beehive in Wellington and the Nelson Cathedral.
We loved this walk as a family. It was a bit scarey at times with a steep drop on one side , but Ben and Hannah managed it fine. They loved the swing bridge to cross the river on the way up. In fact that was their highlight of the walk.
Hannah braving the swing bridge
When we got to the top all the children wanted to do was to dive in and swim under the falls. It took all our powers of persuation to convince the children that it would safer to take a swim further down stream where the current was not as strong!! My kids are mad!!!
Under the falls - well as close as we would let them!!
This get away was fantastic. We practically had the beach to ourselves which made it perfect for cooking damper on the campfire. Along with freshly caught rig. TASTY!
Hannah preparing for the campfire
The sunset was stunning , the pinks and orange colours painted across the sky.
Campfire to cook the damper
In the evening we watched the light house on fair well spit and stared at the stars.
Ben on Pakawau Beach
Breakfast on the beach the next morning – yum!
Ben and Hannah enjoying a cup of tea with breakfast
We spent the afternoon enjoying cups of coffee and wonderful nachos in the cafe. The children enjoyed looking through the telescope and reading about all the whales saved after being beached on fairwell spit
This beach always takes my breath away when I see it. Well this trip was exactly the same.
Andy taking in the view
Emily leaping off a sand dune
The wind was howling and any snack we brought out was immediately covered in sand but we still wanted to stay as long as we could.
View from Rock outcrop
Ben and Karen at the top!
The views from the top of one the outcrops of rock was stunning. Ben lead the way for Karen and I!! and all he could keep saying was. Come on mummy – what is taking yo so long!!
The highlight of our summer holidays was definitely our kayaking trip to Mutton Cove where we got to stay one night.
We started at Tata beach in Golden bay and set off across the Wainui Inlet. Unfortunately the swell started to get up and it got a little scary! But a short rest on the first beach was excellent.
Ben resting on the beach - waiting for the waves to calm down.
We got to see quite a bit of wildlife. Out to sea opposite Whariwharangi beach we watched a seal thrashing an octopus about.
We had an amazing weekend on the West Coast north of West Port. We shared a bache on the beach with the Deck family. The weather was wild!! which only added to the beauty and the mood of the coastline.
Our blog is where we chronicle our family adventures, with friends and clients too. Surrounded as we are with Mountains, Forests, Rivers and Sea, we need to get out there more often, and when we do, we'll share it here. Enjoy the ride.
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