Farewell Spit

Family Holiday at the end of the South Island

Horse Riding, Dune Surfing, Seals and Cliff Top Views!

2016 Family Summer Holiday

As per tradition we are off on our Family Summer Holiday in the first weekend of February to go explore a new part of New Zealand. This year we are going to Farewell Spit, staying in Pakawau. It is the northern most point of the South Island, rugged, isolated and beautiful.

Here is what we got up to for the week.

Beaches and Cliff Tops

Home to some of the most Beautiful Beaches and Cliff Top walks I have ever seen. Be careful at the beaches as the currents around the Spit can be strong. Only swim if you are confident in your abilities and have a buddy.

Wildlife

Many native fur seals breed in the area and the local rock pools make a great place for mum to leave her babies as she goes off to hunt. They will play and swim right at your feet! Dont get too close though, their teeth are sharp even at this age.

Fishing

We spent a day at Anatoki Fresh Water Salmon Farm where we caught our own supper. You can chose how they prepare the fish for you, including getting it sashimi so you can eat it fresh!

Horse Riding

In a beautiful part of the country with no roads, the best way to see the views is on horse back. Which is exactly what we did with a half day trek with Hack Farm. They have rides for all abilites and I highly recommend checking them out.

Farewell Spit Tour

Farewell Spit is protected, which means that you cannot drive on it the same way you can other beaches in New Zealand. However, there is a company called Farewell Spit Eco Tours that run tours of the spit up to the light house once or twice a day depending on the tides. A super interesting tour with a visit to the light house, and a run up and down the sand dunes. These tours are very popular so make sure you book ahead of time.

Pupu Springs

Reckoned to be the purest water in New Zealand the Pupu Springs are wonderous and well worth a stop if you are in the area. The waters are Tapu or sacred so there is no touching or drinking from the water, looking only unfortunately.