NZ2024 - Leg 6 - Te Anau to Kaka Point - The Scenic Route

 One of the things my friend and I learned when we were here in NZ last time (2017) was that whenever a sign pointed out a "Scenic Route", it was worth taking.  Because even when it isn't a scenic route here in NZ, it is pretty spectacular by our standards.  So when our friend Ian suggested we go along the scenic route through Tuatapere on our way from Te Anau to Kaka Point, we said "sure"!  

The day before, we had taken a jet boat across part of Lake Manipouri, and the driver said he lived in Manipouri Township - a small town at one end of the lake.  We wanted to see it up close, as it seemed like exactly the kind of small town we would love.  When we checked the map, it looked like it was going to take us there first - score!  So we said our goodbyes to Shakespeare House B&B and were on our way.  

  

  

Manipouri is a really small town - at least what we saw - but has the most gorgeous lookout - doesn't every town in New Zealand?  I'm glad we stopped when we saw this as we were driving past.

We turned onto Weir Rd., and soon found one of many scenic lookouts we would see - and such an absolutely beautiful day to see them!  The sky was so blue - these photos are not filtered or modified in any way.  

We had a list of places of interest from a brochure shared with us by Shakespeare House, and our first stop was Rakatu Wetlands, which promised some waterfowl.  Little did we know that wasn't the best part of this stop.  The climb to the top of a fairly large hill involved a few stairs at the top, but once we were up there, the view was absolutely worth it.  We couldn't help but just gaze across the wetlands, watching the waterfowl swim around many meters below us, feeling the delicious wind brush away all the cobwebs in our brains, smell the clean air, and fully appreciate the incredible sight of unspoiled nature below us.  

  

We were somewhat surprised (although we shouldn't have been) there was even a flush toilet at the very top of that hill.  And the River walk wasn't too shabby either:

  

We also confirmed a good reason to carry cash through New Zealand - even though most places take cards, there are small donation boxes at places such as this that accept any donation to help keep these places accessible to everyone, and preserve the incredible nature that abounds in this beautiful country.

 The next time we stopped was at Wairaki Oxbow Lagoon, where the river curves around like a horseshoe:

When we reached Tuatapere, we were ready for a coffee or treat, and google mentioned a couple of cafes.  It was a sign from the universe that we should stop at "The Well" - the sign read "Ice Cream solves everything".  And indeed it does, so that's where we stopped.  And got a flat white, and an ice cream cone.  Not sure we really had anything solve, but the ice cream sure tasted and felt good on such a warm day.

We continued on, as there were another few places we wanted to stop before heading across to Kaka Point.  The first was McCracken's Rest, a stunning view of the ocean from atop a cliff, with cows grazing even higher above us with the waves crashing below.  A signpost points to various landmarks within New Zealand, and several smarta.. visitors have added their own touch.

  

  

The last stop we make before heading across the South Island to Kaka Point in the east, is Gemstone Beach.  Although the light isn't great, and the tide is coming in, we decide it's probably our only chance to see this somewhat famous beach - famous because there are times when semi-precious gemstones sometimes wash ashore - quartz, nephrite, garnet and jasper.  

When we arrive, to us, the treasure is the view - mountains in the distance, a beach full of beautiful stones (even if they're not semi-precious gems, they're lovely!) and shells, interesting sand, and a chance to dip our toes in the water.  And the coolest beach house ever - built inside a sandstone cliff kind of.  We steered clear, as there enough warning signs to Keep Out, but we could still ogle it from a distance.

  

Finally, we decide we'd better get a move on, it's getting late, and we have to find our way to the Private Bush Shrouded Seaside Hideaway in Kaka Point.  From the photos, this place is tucked away from sight, and just a short walk to the beach.  Kaka Point is a pretty small place, but it will be our base from which we will explore the Catlins area in the next couple of days - a place that has been on my wish list since my friend Ian recommended it.  Not sure what we'll find, but Ian has never steered us wrong.

We find our loding, and it is definitely a "Hideaway".  It's an absolutely stunning little cottage with everything we need for 2 people, a full kitchen, living room, all dishes, a washer/dryer.... and a lovely deck where we can sit and listen to the ocean waves and birds.  What a little piece of heaven to enjoy over the next couple of days!