So after another amazing breakfast cooked by Renee we went to Waikoropupu Springs.

The water in the pools was so clear and very deep. There was a great volume of water swirling up. The strange thing is the water runs straight out to the close by coast. The water in the Springs is sacred to the maoris And reputed to be one of the purest quality in the world, and they thank you for not touching it. There is a huge water shortage here and the water tables are falling. The farmers are buying water to keep going. We have seen the huge containers of water one per van being taken around the area. The grass on the hillsides is yellow.

We explored gravel tracks in the Whanganui inlet but it was low tide and it was a huge expanse of mud marsh and bog. Not so interesting but many birds there

We called at Pakawau beach. Again a huge expanse of sand and no one there but us. We walked out to the tide line to see the black swans and oyster catchers.

Next idea was to explore the other end of Golden Bay. It is a hidden delight and photographers heaven. Rocks beaches fallen trees long shadows. I hope you like my photos. I went for a paddle the water was warm and shallow. There are thousands of shells here.

We noticed loads of pukeko birds in the fields. Tomorrow we are spending all day in this end of the Bay. There is a waterfall to walk to and a coastal path to explore and definitely going swimming in the warm water.

Sorry to hear you have freezing cold conditions no really I am! I do like to see snow as well.

Very hot again by teatime was 29*c.

It’s strange to think you are just waking up as I’m writing this and we’ll be sleeping through your daytime.

Love from me xxxx