February 08 Westport - Mapau

Before heading towards Abel Tasman National Park, take a short hike along Buller Bay, past Cape Foulwind to Tauranga Bay. James Cook attempted to land here, but the 'lazy' winds prevented it and gave the cape its name. When you walk along the coast, you understand what 'lazy' winds are, no, they are not lazy, but so strong that you really have to be careful not to be blown away. Accordingly, the waves crash against the steep cliff. But the view is sensational. In Tauranga Bay, there are some seals with their cubs lying around, warming up in the sun. The young seals play and wrestle with each other. What else 😁.

On the way to Mapua, we pass New Zealand's longest suspension bridge. Well, of course, we have to go over it, me too. I made it, there and back. 110 meters long and 17 meters above the Mighty Buller Gorge.

So we reach our accommodation near the town of Mapua, a farm. The owners, as it quickly becomes clear, immigrated from Germany 20 years ago. It's wonderful here, surrounded by fruit trees, meadows, and horses. A glass of red wine on the terrace....