Kahurangi National Park

The Kuharangi National Park is the second largest national park in NZ, and it has an amazing variety of landscapes, ranging from granite mountain peaks, to old growth Nikau palm forests, to white sand beaches.  The weather in the mountains was a little gray, and we had heard from two locals that Wharaiki Beach was “not to be missed.”  So we did a nice hike to Arthur hut which looked out to the peak of Mount Arthur.  The peak was in the clouds, but you can see a glimpse of it in the first photo.  The forest on this hike was very unique.  It was dry with small beech trees nestled very closely with a tropical palm tree.  After this we took the locals’s advice and headed up to Wharariki Beach, which, as they said, really was not to be missed.  However, the drive was long so we had to stop at the Mussel Inn for some beer and mussels (both delicious).  Yes, this is a pub with a compostable toilet; try that permitting in the US J  We spent an amazing day hiking to the beach and then doing the Hilltop Hike to Farewell Spit.  This hike had it all …… me (Jen) getting a bee sting, being sandwiched between a herd of moving cows (super friendly), exploring amazing geological formations on the beach, being entertained by the most playful and interested seal pups, me (Jen) being shocked by an electrical fence, hiking up and down many miles of green hills with very patient sheep (I’m seriously loving the sheep), and ending with a beer overlooking the bird sanctuary at Farewell Spit that was absolutely filled with black swan.  The perfect day in the journal of a hiker. J  Next stop:  Abel Tasman National Park.  As a sad and unfortunate update, Christchurch is SEVERLY damaged and the loss of life is continuing to climb, so keep those folks in your thoughts.