Day 22: Collingwood - St. Arnaud

I think the German girls were tired of each other's company and needed someone new to talk to so it was well into the small hours of this morning when we all tidied away the wine glasses and called it a night. Again, The Innlet backpackers and all the people there were extremely friendly and good company.

Anita, from north of Helsingör in Denmark, was also leaving to drive back along the coast today but when I said I was going along to "the beach" she said she'd join me. A really nice girl in her mid twenties (I'd guess) who is traveling around New Zealand for 5 weeks on her own. Respect!

We drove out to the parking area then walked the final few minutes through idyllic countryside.

Then a short walk up and over some steep sand dunes.

Before the most amazing beach is then revealed. This beach had everything. Miles of silky smooth silver sand, little rock pools, basking seals, caves, arches, surf..... The Perfect Beach! The pictures say it all.

New Zealand has so far shown me the best 5 beaches I've ever seen, but today was in a class of it's own.

Then past the "tame sheep" to the Farewell Spit viewpoint from where we could see 2 seals playing on the beach.

Anita and I then had a coffee on the way back towards Puponga before saying our farewells and beating different tracks, she towards Picton and I inland to today's destination - St. Arnaud, by the Nelson Lakes. The final stretch is up in the mountains and started to remind me of the highland glens of Scotland.

Today's "panorama of the day" is dedicated to Anita who kindly modelled for it ;)

A perfect day.