Rain from above and sand from the side

Everything is green here and plants of all kinds thrive. This doesn't work without water - lots of water. So it has to rain sometimes. That was the case on the day when we - now arrived in Golden Bay / Takaka - made our trip to Wharariki Beach. Before we went to the largest freshwater spring in the southern hemisphere with really clean water. Unfortunately, you weren't allowed to touch the water because it is considered sacred by the Mauori. Given the heavy rain, we didn't feel like swimming either. Despite all the adversities, it was a nice trip, even as the rainy weather suits the rainforest that can be found everywhere here. The source itself is very impressive. Unfortunately the pictures don't show it that way. Everything was again without entrance fees, parking fees or costs for the toilet.

Then we continued north and the weather worsened again. After a 30-minute walk across the offshore dunes you reach the sea. There was also a strong wind that caused the sand to pile up into the dunes and, in addition to the rain shower, you also got a free facial peeling.

In the evening and back in Golden Bay the weather cleared up and the whole scenery was even more impressive.