It’s a busy week with the inaugural Indulge Marlborough Wine and Cuisine festival starting on Thursday. Highlights include Anna Coddington, Paul Urbana Jones and our local girl Sarah Brown all singing plus chef’s Johnny Schwass and Chris Fortune. Also we shall have the pleasure of Justin Marshall as one of the guests.

Have planted more trees enhancing our wetland environment and reducing our client’s carbon footprint and looking for more ways to be sustainable.

cheers Will

Wow! another day on this wilderness island which I found was full of more surprises. After leaving the Community hall I headed west on my journey to Greville harbour and DOC’S new playground and campsite. On my way stopped in the bush and heard a very unusual bird call which I recorded; it may have been Tui although it was hauntingly loud and at times quite distant. It was also nice to see wood pigeon, grey warbler , fantail and bellbird all in good numbers.

As the bush thinned out and the road became steeper I saw my 1st glimpse of  Greville harbour and the swamp lands leading to the sand dunes and beach. I took off down hill; steep, fast and furious and realised my bike wasn’t up to it!!

Arrived a few minutes later and met the DOC camp manager and then off on another trip northwards to Otu. I really enjoyed this trek especially the flora of Rimu’s , Kahikatea, Nikau, jasmine and flaxes and there was a lovely scent in the air. The track was pretty rough in places as they had had alot of rain and it was very evident by slips and washouts. This adds to the adventure so I decided to walk. Near Otu is a wetland which then drains into the bay a place of sheer beauty and a haven for wildlife especially water fowl.

On my return had a look at Black Reef bay the site of a old hydro scheme for the original farm and this is where I took the photo of the outboard motor on the rocks amongst the driftwood.

Then it was onto the beach for a walk amongst the shells, driftwood, seaweed and bird prints.

This is a truly beautiful spot, quite isolated, but definitely unique and a lovely spiritual feeling.

I know I shall return and if any of you out there would like me to organise a trip please contact me at Driftwood Ecotours.

I would especially like to thank Danny and Lynn Boulton of French Pass Sea safaris for giving me there time and supporting me on this venture.

Merry Xmas to you all and I do hope you have a rewarding holiday break soon, cheers Will

Info:

Kopowai Bay to Patuki 58 Km

Kopowai Bay to Moawhitu DoC camp (Greville Harbour) 30 Km

Grade 3

Wow!!!  what a buzz and exciting journey was this trip which I had been planning for sometime. I initially set off on a famil to tour with French Pass Sea Safaris and the sailing ship “Steadfast” with my bike to check out the suitability of  bringing clients to this area. I was not disappointed and was given a very warm welcome by all locals I met on the way. The days were warm, sunny and very little wind which I was told rather unusual;  so luck was on my side.

My first piece of action was an introduction to Laurence and Grace the proud owners of the ketch “Steadfast” which was built by Laurence over a 15 year period. Take a look at the photos and you shall see the work of a craftsman and attention to detail. Well we get on board have a brief chat and moments later the wind springs up so time  to hoist the sails with Grace controlling the wheel. She sails beautifully and there is plenty of room on board to relax  and enjoy nice organic lunch. We cruise up to Catherine Cove where I’m to stay the night in one of the kiwi batches and met by Aaron who is the chef and owner of the Wilderness Lodge. He was originally the chef/owner of  The Shed on the waterfront in Nelson.

Once ashore I decide to explore this bay and tracks which leave the bay heading up hill towards Mt. Attempt. My fitness levels are tested within minutes and soon pushing the mountain bike up hill but the scenery more than makes up for it. This would also make a great walking tour particularly for the lovers of flora and fauna. The sweet smell of  Kaihua or New Zealand jasmine was magic, also flowering was Clematis paniculata and Metrosideros fulgens or climbing rata interspersed with manuka and broadleafs.

Near the top I reached the Durville island road and took off northwards continuously distracted by birds, rocks, flora and views. This area is one of the best in New Zealand to study the mineral belt and the effect it has on the vegetation.

Soon I returned to Catherine Cove and enjoyed well earned rest and a Tui (beer)!!

Hope you enjoy our photo gallery, be sure to book in advance if you want to have a guided tour with Driftwood Ecotours.