Split Apple Rock

We wake to sunshine once again, and start our day with a brief wander around Nelson. We climb the steps to the Art Deco cathedral, sad that our late arrival last night meant we missed choral evensong which judging by the cathedral organ would have been a real treat. We love the feel of this arty little town and could happily spend more time wandering round its streets and cafes, but we must move on. 

Having missed my Marlborough wine tasting yesterday, G is keen to find an alternative today, and by chance we come to Seifried’s cellar door. It’s an enjoyable tasting, and I love the atmosphere- I’ve included a link as I really like their website and the family focus.  https://www.seifried.co.nz  Sadly, the restaurant is closed - after all, it is Monday - but we come away with bottles of blush and Chardonnay plus a recommendation to visit a foodie emporium up the road. Here we find a wonderful array of cheeses, and decide to treat ourselves to an artisan cheese board for this evening. Plenty of tastings follow - with purchases including ‘Bush Gouda’ - made with made with Horopito and Kawakawa bush herbs,  and a fabulous true blue called ‘Blue Monkey’. Bread, crackers and a walnut pastilla complete our purchase - followed by fruit purchased from another store. 

We move off towards our destination of Pohara on Golden Bay, but take a slight diversion north to Split Apple Rock. Made of granite and thought to be about 120 million years old, according to Māori legend, it was split by two feuding gods fighting to possess it. To resolve the issue, they used their huge godlike strength to break it in half. As such, the Māori name for the rock is Tokangawhā, which means “burst open rock.” 

A 15 minute walk from the car park brings us to the beautiful beach where the rock stands proudly out in the bay. It’s stunning, and well worth the effort of dealing with the steps in the mid-afternoon heat. 

From here, it’s back to SH60 and the drive over Takaka Hill, an infamously winding road with some 320 degree hairpins. Not surprisingly, the summit offers fabulous views - plus some very curious Weka birds, one of which almost climbs into our car looking for treats! 

We eventually arrive at The Bay Lodge, our home for the next three nights, and certainly our most luxurious accommodation option of our road trip. We’re greeted by our hosts, Filip and Sonja, a Belgian couple who created this gorgeous place. We’re immediately invited into their home and given refreshments (Seifried SB for me, coffee with an advocaat on the side for G), with plenty of ideas as to what to do during our time in The Bay. And when we are eventually shown to our suite, it certainly doesn’t disappoint. It’s spacious, beautifully decorated and has a wall of glass looking out onto our private garden and the bay beyond. Little streams bubble their way through the pebbled paths, and there are day beds and seating areas amongst the carefully planned landscaping. Tasteful artwork is everywhere, as are thoughtful little touches. 

Unpacked - or as unpacked as you can be 9n this type of road trip - we enjoy a quiet evening watching the sun set, dining on our purchases of cheese and fruit, and enjoying our locally produced wine. Perfect. 

Todays main is Split Apple Rock, with extras of our cheeky weka, and, knowing that you’ll want to see it, a collage of our beautiful accommodation! 

Thank you for your generous response to yesterday’s whales, and thank you for your kind understanding re responding to comments!