Exploring to Collingwood | Time Out 2021-22 Golden Bay

I booked a guided trip departing from Collingwood tomorrow, but timing meant would have to drive for that. Collingwood is just 26km along the only road, cycling it would allow me to explore all the side roads and beaches along the way.

No need for GPS, just follow this road.

On 'the' road to Collingwood

Tākaka River, might end up here for a swim if the tide is too low.

Tākaka River

An aircraft departing as I went past Tākaka Aerodrome reminded me how we arrived last time. Back in 2011 flew in from Karamea with a cycle tour but we didn't ride in Golden Bay. In part, that's why I wanted to come back.

How we arrived last visit
Tākaka Aerodrome

Patons Rock Beach was nice, noted for the return journey...

Patons Rock Beach
Patons Rock

There's short climb at Puramāhoi with roadside rest area and viewpoint. The views back towards Abel Tasman National Park, on a day like this, just stunning.

Puramāhoi towards Abel Tasman National Park
Puramāhoi to Pohara

Liked this sign on Onekaka Rd: That's how I go!

That's how I go! | Onekaka Rd

Onekaka Wharf is more a memory than reality. Some great history: It serviced the Onekaka Ironworks back in the 1920s, local iron ore was exported as pig-iron and iron pipes until the 1930s depression.

Onekaka Wharf

The highway passes Milnthorpe Park Scenic Reserve and Arboretum. I only here stopped briefly, but this area has achieved recognition for use of exotic planting to restore land where attempts with natives failed.

SH60 through Milnthorpe Park

Mr Burn's Street or just very good?

Excellent Rd

Collingwood

Collingwood village is on the Aorere River and nearby Ruataniwha Inlet.

Ruataniwha Inlet, Collingwood, Golden Bay
Ruataniwha Inlet, Collingwood, Golden Bay

Collingwood Beach

I rolled through town to check out the beach. At low tide it's a long walk to the water, a feature of Golden Bay's shallow seabed and tidal range.

Collingwood Beach
Collingwood Beach

In Court, in Collingwood

The Courthouse Café was built in 1901 and used as a Courthouse until the 1930's. I didn't take a photo of their cute building so 'borrowed' this one. They were busy; all masked and scanning vaccine passes which was why I chose over another option in town...

Courthouse_Cafe
Photo Credit: The Courthouse Café Facebook.

The food, juice (a fresh house-made blend), and coffee proved it was a good decision; it wouldn't be my only visit. The courtyard shade was a nice relief after a hot ride.

Lunch, The Courthouse Cafe, Collingwood

I had a view of another café in Collingwood whose owner ended up in court. He'd already been in the news for breaching COVID health regulation violations as 'didn't accept coronavirus was real'. I took the advice of their own signage and stayed away.

The Courthouse Cafe, Collingwood
'MAD' Café Collingwood. Mad by name, mad by...

I did get to see horses in the main street (Sunday rush?) then back on the bike to head 'home'.

Collingwood traffic

Still looking for a swim!

I still had more places to check out for a swim on the way back to Tākaka.

Orion Street, quite fine itself, leads to Excellent Street!

Orion St heading towards Excellent Rd
Collingwood Cemetery

Called in to Parapara Inlet, beside Milnthorpe Park, looking back into the hills.

Parapara Inlet, Milnthorpe

Considered a swim here but would have been a long walk, sand too soft to ride on the gravel tyres.

Parapara Inlet, Milnthorpe

Golden Bay, LOVE YOU TOO!

Love you too Golden Bay!

This view, again!

Puramāhoi view

Swim time, Patons Rock Beach

Stopped at Patons Rock Beach. Rode along the beach, on firm damp sand, and found a big log bike stand. More relax, swim, relax, listen to music/podcast, swim... repeat for the rest of the afternoon.

Patons Rock Beach

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Patons Rock Beach

At about half five the creeping shadow and tiredness indicated it was time to move on. After yesterday's late finish, and long day planned tomorrow, didn't want to be too late back.

Patons Rock Beach evening

No frost risk today!

Not an issue

I diverted to have a look at, neglected, Waitapu Wharf. Considered dinner at the nearby River Inn pub but had food back at the Motel that needed eating.

Waitapu Wharf
Waitapu Wharf

All up my 'fifty kilometre' ride ended up being more like eighty-seven! Another great day in the Bay.



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