I booked a guided trip departing from Collingwood tomorrow, but timing meant would have to drive for that. Collingwood is just 26km along the only road, cycling it would allow me to explore all the side roads and beaches along the way.
No need for GPS, just follow this road.
Tākaka River, might end up here for a swim if the tide is too low.
An aircraft departing as I went past Tākaka Aerodrome reminded me how we arrived last time. Back in 2011 flew in from Karamea with a cycle tour but we didn't ride in Golden Bay. In part, that's why I wanted to come back.
Patons Rock Beach was nice, noted for the return journey...
There's short climb at Puramāhoi with roadside rest area and viewpoint. The views back towards Abel Tasman National Park, on a day like this, just stunning.
Liked this sign on Onekaka Rd: That's how I go!
Onekaka Wharf is more a memory than reality. Some great history: It serviced the Onekaka Ironworks back in the 1920s, local iron ore was exported as pig-iron and iron pipes until the 1930s depression.
The highway passes Milnthorpe Park Scenic Reserve and Arboretum. I only here stopped briefly, but this area has achieved recognition for use of exotic planting to restore land where attempts with natives failed.
Mr Burn's Street or just very good?
Collingwood
Collingwood village is on the Aorere River and nearby Ruataniwha Inlet.
Collingwood Beach
I rolled through town to check out the beach. At low tide it's a long walk to the water, a feature of Golden Bay's shallow seabed and tidal range.
In Court, in Collingwood
The Courthouse Café was built in 1901 and used as a Courthouse until the 1930's. I didn't take a photo of their cute building so 'borrowed' this one. They were busy; all masked and scanning vaccine passes which was why I chose over another option in town...
Photo Credit: The Courthouse Café Facebook.
The food, juice (a fresh house-made blend), and coffee proved it was a good decision; it wouldn't be my only visit. The courtyard shade was a nice relief after a hot ride.
I had a view of another café in Collingwood whose owner ended up in court. He'd already been in the news for breaching COVID health regulation violations as 'didn't accept coronavirus was real'. I took the advice of their own signage and stayed away.
I did get to see horses in the main street (Sunday rush?) then back on the bike to head 'home'.
Still looking for a swim!
I still had more places to check out for a swim on the way back to Tākaka.
Orion Street, quite fine itself, leads to Excellent Street!
Called in to Parapara Inlet, beside Milnthorpe Park, looking back into the hills.
Considered a swim here but would have been a long walk, sand too soft to ride on the gravel tyres.
Golden Bay, LOVE YOU TOO!
This view, again!
Swim time, Patons Rock Beach
Stopped at Patons Rock Beach. Rode along the beach, on firm damp sand, and found a big log bike stand. More relax, swim, relax, listen to music/podcast, swim... repeat for the rest of the afternoon.
x
At about half five the creeping shadow and tiredness indicated it was time to move on. After yesterday's late finish, and long day planned tomorrow, didn't want to be too late back.
No frost risk today!
I diverted to have a look at, neglected, Waitapu Wharf. Considered dinner at the nearby River Inn pub but had food back at the Motel that needed eating.
All up my 'fifty kilometre' ride ended up being more like eighty-seven! Another great day in the Bay.
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