 Covering 160 years of history, named after Admiral Nelson’s replacement following his death at the Battle of Trafalgar and at one time planned from England as the capital of New Zealand, Collingwood spans the earliest years of New Zealand colonialism. From the Little Slate valley where gold was first discovered, the coalmines at Ferntown and Mangarakau and the flax and hemp industries at Westhaven, the earliest settlers endured untold hardships to wrest a living from the thin soils of Golden Bay.
Today, life is easier, milking cows dominate numerically over the traditional sheep, tourism flourishes, sealed roads extend to most of the bay. There are many workshops to browse, those of bone and wood carvers, jewellers, potters, and artists as Golden Bay has historically attracted the talented and even some artisans here.
But, above all the rugged beauty is apparent everywhere.
The route to Patarau along the Westhaven Inlet must rank high in NZ scenic drives, spiced perhaps with a walk to Knuckle Hill to see Farewell Spit in the distance. Wharariki Beach is a legend, the baby seals ever entertaining, the cliff walk to Cape Farewell and Pillar Point Lighthouse just amazing. The 6 1/2 hour trip to the Spit with Farewell Spit safaris is always popular. There is boating from the ramp, fishing on the river or estuary. After the Heaphy Track, there are numerous day walks to try, or just a place to chill out for a few days…Collingwood is well worth a visit.
|
