Boxing Day at the Beach

Boxing Day at the Beach is a Kiwi institution.  Kaye and Jan’s Christmas household full of rellies took off to Marahau Beach, and we followed them a little later after we had done a few things.  The day was hot and sunny, but the cool sea breeze cooled the temperatures down while we were sitting on the golden sand.  There was plenty of action happening off shore.  Several people were enjoying para--sailing, with the wind carrying them along at a great rate of knots. 

There they go

There were a few yachts sailing around, the sea kayakers were out in force, and we could see the Water Taxis tooing and froing as the carried people to various walks in the Able Tasman National Park.  And what’s better than paddling in the water on a hot sunny day?  Parents and toddlers were having fun, and adults were walking way out into the water, but the shallow beach combined with an outgoing tide made finding deeper water always just out of reach.  This is a very safe beach indeed.

Marahau Beach

With the cool breeze at the beach, we really didn’t feel that we were getting sunburnt.  Of course, we should have known better, and later in the evening many of us were sporting sunburnt legs, arms, and noses.  Kaye and Jan had spent many happy summers camping in this area when their children were younger.

At the end of the road is one end of the walkway through Able Tasman National Park, and is marked by a beautiful Maori  carving.  The name Marahau translates as “windy garden” and the whole area was an abundant food gathering area.  With cockle beds, plenty of fish available, and birds to catch in the forests, there was food galore.  The carved entranceway (Waharoa) tells the story of a group of families who journeyed to Marahau from the North Island in the 19th century.  The Waharoa is carved from totara, sourced from the West Coast, by Nelson carver Mark Davis.

 

The entranceway

On the way back to Richmond something stopped Robin in his tracks.  What is that thing, we wondered?   It was some sort of flying fox which started way up on the hill - maybe it is no longer operational, we presumed.

Flying Fox in the middle of nowhere

On Tuesday morning we were moving on.  The caravan tank was filled with fresh water, the steadies wound up, and the car hooked on.  We were presented with fresh new potatoes from the garden, and I was encouraged to take some of the abundant grapefruit from the tree – all very much appreciated.   It was time for thanks, and goodbyes, with promises to call in again on our return to the ferry.  We certainly enjoyed our five days spent here in this lovely rural property.  Next stop – Murchison.

Kaye and Robin