Tag 40 Collingwood

In the morning I wake up at Lewis Pass with sunshine and the babble of the stream that flows right behind the VW bus. After a hearty breakfast in the sun, we continue down the Lewis Pass to the north. Along the way are the Maruia Falls. The waterfall is very beautiful, but even more interesting are the cheeky and clever wekas in the parking lot. The flightless birds like to eat rubber seals, etc.

I know part of the way further, as I was already traveling in the other direction towards the West Coast a few weeks ago in bad rainy weather. Everything looks much better in the sun and the road is also easier to drive. The highlight of the road trip on this day is the Takaka Hill. I already know it, it's a small narrow pass over a very steep hill and requires full concentration. But it's much nicer to drive in high summer weather.

The view of Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay is fantastic. After another half an hour I arrive in Collingwood. A few Germans with bicycles are registering at the campsite. The owner is very friendly and offers me a spot right on the beachfront. It's a dream! I book two nights straight away. In the evening, I sit right by the water on a picnic bench and fall asleep with the sound of the waves through the open VW bus door under almost a full moon. There is a warm wind blowing. Now I know why this place is called a little paradise. It's like something out of a picture book.