the afternoon. The country is crisscrossed by long alleys, drainage ditches, and cycle paths. Sheep, cows, and horses graze on pastures, divided by dikes that were thrown up to wrest land away from the sea. Neat brick houses and churches line streets and canals, and even sidewalks are paved with red bricks. A fresh breeze makes sailboats and yachts gently pitch from side to side in the waterfronts.
Jever, a picturesque place of about fourteen thousand inhabitants, is the perfect starting point for exploring the region of Friesland. The place got a town charter in 1536 and has been the center of this area since the days of yore. Jever Castle with its onion-shaped cap and viewing platform rises 220 feet over the town.
Surrounded by a moat and an English garden, the castle is one of the most beautiful historical monuments in Friesland. Today it houses the local museum with magnificent rooms and chambers, decorated with carved ceilings, red tapestry and fine parquet floorings. The exhibition rooms show medieval paintings, sumptuous clothes of the eighteenth century and collections of Faience, china, and silver.
Only a few yards away, a carillon over the entrance of the restaurant Hof Oldenburg attracts visitors with its melody when every full hour, two gates open to let out the figures of former local rulers. Across the street, the bronze figures of the fountain on Jever’s market place tell the sayings of the region. All the figures have ball joints, and kids enjoy turning their heads, arms and legs. At the other end of market place, a bronze bull lies in front of a pharmacy, indicating that the square once was the cattle market of town.
Beside the castle and Jever’s town church, the 100-feet-tall steel towers of the Friesische Brauhaus (Friesian brewery) characterize the skyline of town. It was established in 1848 and with its futuristic and reflecting glass front, it has become another symbol of town these days.
The brewery produces a traditional Pilsner of highest quality according to the German purity law of 1516. As brewing beer is no secret anymore today, visitors are welcome to take a swig and see the brewery and its museum.
Friesland is ideal cycling country and the North Sea Cycle Route, which leads through Jever, is just one option for a ride through the country. On the outskirts of town, the two-story Dutch gallery windmill and the agriculture museum mark the starting point of the Friesian Windmill Tour. From there, you can go for a cycling tour to nine other windmills around Jade Bay.
The nearest windmill in the small village of Accum was built in 1746 and is covered with reed. Small doors lead on to the gallery, on which the miller pulls canvas over two of the wooden vanes to catch more wind. The surface of the other two can be adjusted – similar to Venetian blinds – by ropes.
With the help of an additional wheel on the cap, the vanes are turned into the wind. The miller enjoys welcoming visitors and willingly explains the machinery and how the cogwheels transform the energy of wind into vertical rotation of the main shaft that drives a pair of millstones.
The cycle path leads on to Wilhelmshaven, a Prussian seaport in the nineteenth century. After passing the Kopperhörner 
windmill and the Church of Christ, built of red bricks in 1882, you get to the historical Kaiser-Wilhelm-Brücke (Emperor Wilhelm bridge), which still is the biggest revolving bridge in Europe. It was built in 1906 and leads over a harbor canal to the wharves.
From there, you might go for an excursion to Helgoland, whose red sandstone cliffs rise up to 160 feet out of the North Sea. The island was once a hiding place of pirates at the end of the fourteenth century before it went to the rulers of Denmark later. From 1814 to 1889, it belonged to the British Empire but the English exchanged Helgoland to Zanzibar in 1890, and the German Emperor Wilhelm II made Helgoland a military outpost.
From Wilhelmshaven, the cycle path follows the bay to the south and leads to the small town of Varel. A steep flight of well-trodden stairs leads up to the cap of the local windmill, built in 1847. With its height of almost one hundred feet and vanes of seventy feet in diameter, it is the biggest windmill in Germany. It used to have two peeling machines and four large sets of millstones that were used to grind wheat and rye. The biggest millstone weighs almost four tons and measures 6.7 feet in diameter.
The cycle way passed further windmills and took us through several small villages with thatched cottages and neat guesthouses that welcome visitors with their solid, tasty Frisian cuisine. After visiting the local museum in Neuhardingersiel, where we learned how sailing ships get into a glass bottle, we went aboard a ferry to the island of Spiekeroog to have a swim in the North Sea and a rest from our trip. And while we enjoyed a gentle breeze on the island’s unspoiled and sandy beaches, we already made plans for another cycling tour through Jever Land in Friesland, Germany.
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Slovenia has dozens of world class ski resort. Slovenian ski centers and winter resorts attract Alpine and tour skiers, cross-country skiers, borders, sledgers. The biggest skiing center is Maribor, which in an area 270 m above sea level beside the Drava River. Many tourists choose to spend their winter holidays on the snow, more than 40 km of ski tracks offers different winter adventures with all grades of difficulty at an altitude of 325 m to 1327 m above sea level.
In January, Maribor hosts to the annual World Cup women’s slalom and giant slalom races – Golden Fox Trophy. This alpine skiing competition draws visitors from all over Slovenia and the world. The competition route is equipped with arena for over 25,000 viewers, a chairlift and everything else that is necessary for a ski resort hosting a first class competition. Also held here are two World Cup snowboarding championships – World Cup Telemark competition and FIS World Youth Championship race.
Skiing there is also possible in early spring, and particularly attractive is the night skiing which offers a magnificent night panorama of the city. In the summer time visitors are attracted by the waters and the sky above Slovenia, in spring and autumn by the colorful hiking and biking trails…
What is it about Maui that makes it the best island in the Pacific Rim, and perhaps the top vacation spot in the world? Besides the obvious natural beauty characteristic of all Hawaiian islands, Maui has the added benefit of perfect travel weather, Upcountry agriculture for fresh homegrown produce, and more children and family activities than any other Hawaiian island. Add in award-winning restaurants, lodgings that range from the most eco-friendly to top luxury resorts, world-class golf courses, upscale shopping, galleries featuring local artists, and of course the best snorkel and scuba sites anywhere – any tourist can see that Maui is in a class by itself. Tourists have great vacations without leaving their hotel grounds, simply relaxing by the pool or ocean. However, to get a real flavor of this perfect South Pacific island, a more interesting vacation can be had by exploring your surrounds.
Travel FAQs and the best things to see and do on Maui (or my favorites, anyway):
- Maui was formed by two adjacent volcanoes, and today the two peaks are joined by a long, lush valley (hence its moniker, “The Valley Isle”). The East Maui volcano is Haleakala, and the West Maui volcano, is Kahoolawe.
- Iao Valley, between them but closer to Kahoolawe, is like a land from another time – it takes little to imagine seeing a pterodactyl soar by, or perhaps hobbits puttering about. For tourists who like to geocache, and who travel with their handheld GPS devices, there is also a tricky geocache here. The Iao Needle is a goal for many tourists in the Iao Valley; I like the walk and hike along the way just as much.
- The Whalers Village Museum in Lahaina is a fun family place to see on West Maui, especially if you like the natural history element of museums. Lahaina as a town has many, many family vacation ideals, and during peak travel season the town is crawling with kids.
- If you want to spend as much of your Maui vacation outdoors as you can, the petroglyphs in Olowalu are interesting; this area is not well traveled, it’s a genuinely remote part of Maui. Children won’t like the hike, but adults like the closeness and accessibility of the petroglyphs. Please respect the area as a monument to Hawaiian history (it’s depressing to see a little “modern” graffiti scattered on the cliffs here).
- Haleakala is much bigger, and more impressive than Kahoolawe. It takes about 2 hours to drive to the peak of Haleakala, and when the elevation gets to the tree line, the temperature actually drops a full degree every yard or so. Haleakala provides a spectacular vista, and during peak tourist seasons can get pretty crowded. I recommend getting up early to see the sunrise from Haleakala; most people on vacation choose to sleep later, so it might not be as crowded, plus the 360 degree view is unforgettable. Further, by 1:00 in the afternoon, clouds settle into the crater, so that visitors can’t get a clear view all the way down.
- A popular, favorite tourist attraction is in fact a day trip: The Road to Hana is worth the car rental. Leave early in the morning and plan for many scenic stops along the way. The giant waterfalls and preserved rain forest of Hana make it the best way I can imagine having to be in a car while on vacation. The road to Hana is curvy and not well maintained, with 54 bridges (pace yourself – they’re all photo-worthy) and a multitude of waterfalls and rainbows.
- My favorite stops along the road to Hana are the town of Paia (for the best packed lunch to picnic along the way), Kula (the Upcountry’s farmland), the ‘Ohe’o Gulch (7 Sacred Pools – amazing) and Wailua Falls. Take your time on the road to Hana, please; there are some sweet little local artist communities and many other stops along the way that make it all about the trip as well as the destination.
- The Maui Ocean Center in Ma’alaea Harbor is roughly In between the towns of Kihei and Lahaina. The Maui Ocean Center has hammerhead sharks, sea turtles (they’re returned to the Pacific upon reaching adulthood), and other local marine life on exhibit. This was a great trip for my younger child, who was too little to get the hang of snorkeling.
- The most upscale resorts are found along the loveliest stretch of shoreline in Maui, in Wailea. Great snorkeling in Wailea is had by simply wading in and starting. Giant sea turtles relax along the naturally formed jetties in Wailea, and dolphins seem to get a kick out of putting on a free show for Wailea visitors.
- The best snorkeling and scuba diving isn’t right off the beaches of Wailea in Maui, however; reserve a spot on a boat to take you 25 minutes out to Molokini. Molokini is an uninhabited, extinct volcano, pure lava rock with a bird sanctuary above. Because there is no sand, just coral reefs and lava rock, the water stays as clear as glass. Molokini is most quickly gotten to from The Maui Prince Hotel in Makena, just to the east of Wailea. On one boat trip back from Molokini, we saw two humpback whales breaching maybe 20 yards off the boat’s starboard bow. It rocked the boat, of course, and was an unforgettable, moving experience.
Anyone can have a nice vacation in Maui by spending a week on the resort grounds, swimming in the pool and sipping fruity drinks. But you can do this anywhere (with the right weather). Maui has so much more to offer than just luxury all-inclusive resorts and hotels. Your memories of your vacation in Maui will be richer and deeper, if you venture off the resort property and soak up the local culture, history, and nature. Maui is the best island and the top travel destination in the world for a reason, and that’s not for the pool side drinks alone. My favorite vacation island in the world might be yours, too, when you do and see some of the great things on Maui.
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I had always wanted to visit this beautiful country and now I was finally getting my chance. However, having spent the whole day on a train, I was starting to wear down and my excitement was dwindling to say the least.
A bus ride was in order before we would arrive at our final destination, but as the bus approached, I fel sense of dread boiling up within. It was getting late in the evening and I hadn’t booked accommodations, so we would have to search in the rain for a bed.
As the bus pulled off and meandered along the roadway, my spirits began to brighten a little as the scenery developed before me. The mountains gently descended down to meet the calm waters of an alpine lake. Outside my window, a rainbow appeared over the water, forming a scene so lovely, I went from a state of near exhaustion to an almost giddy exuberance. When the bus slowed to a halt, I stepped off with renewed energy and an eagerness to explore my new surroundings.
Interlaken was to be the home base for my Swiss adventure. This medium sized town is located in central Switzerland between the lakes Thun and Brienz. It offers plenty of shopping, nice architecture, and a variety of restaurants, but what really brings people to Interlaken is the wide variety of activities available due to its location in the Jungfrau region of the Swiss Alps.
The mountains around the city provide some of the finest skiing and snowboarding in the world during the cold months of the year when snow blankets the landscape. In the summer, extreme sports take center stage, with multiple companies offering an assortment of choices including bungee jumping, paragliding, river rafting, sky diving, hiking, ice climbing, mountain biking, glacier walks, canyoning, and for the particularly strong of stomach, zorbing.
Interlaken is surrounded by modestly sized mountains in the forefront, with bigger mountains in the distance. While the whole scene is impressive, the smaller mountains tend to shield the higher peaks from view, so I set out to get a better look from some of the neighboring towns. I had read in a guide book about a small village called Gimmelwald perched high in the mountains, and seeing that it wasn’t far away, I decided to make that my day trip destination.
The first stop was a town by the name of Lauterbrunnen. After stepping off the train and walking away from the station over a small hill, the panorama that unfolded before my eyes left me almost speechless. Snow-capped mountains formed a majestic stone wall around the narrow green valley.
Numerous waterfalls poured over the sides of the cliffs, adding to a scene unlike any I had ever observed. We ventured to the edge of town, where we found a small path that cut through a rolling green pasture. We followed the trail as it led to an outcrop carved into the stone mountain directly behind one of the waterfalls.
While trying not to slip on the wet rock floor, we reached out to try to touch the water 
cascading down just beyond the railing. After a few minutes, we slowly began our way out of the mist and back toward the station to hop on a bus toward Gimmelwald, not knowing if it could possibly top what we had already experienced, but eager to find out.
The easiest way to get to Gimmelwald is by gondola. Our gondola cabin was almost completely full, but almost everyone continued up the mountain when we stepped off. Walking outside, I was immediately overjoyed at what I found. Gimmelwald had no tourist office.
There were no streets lined with storefronts. The only sights to see were the mountains all around and the village itself. As we walked along the main street, or rather the main path, we passed quaint little houses and a fenced in lawn with a few chickens and a couple goats. I stopped in front of one particular spot that caught my eye; a house that seemingly sat on the edge of a cliff overlooking the snowy peaks that made up the backyard.
By this time, we were getting a little hungry, so I rang the doorbell on a shop that advertised for an assortment of homemade snacks. After a short delay, a young man of about high school age opened the door and invited us inside the store, which was actually the front room of his home’s basement. We stopped at another house that offered sandwiches and drinks. There were tables set up on the front porch, so we sat down and enjoyed our lunch in the warm sun and crisp alpine air.
That night, I thought about Interlaken with its architecture, friendly people, and amazing variety of exciting things to do, but what I will remember most was there in Gimmelwald. I couldn’t help but love the simplicity and the relaxed nature. Slowing down and appreciating the small things are a fact of life there. That it was also one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen seemed like icing on the cake.
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The Eiffel Tower, an immense stucture of exposed latticework supports made
of iron, was erected for the Paris Exposition of 1889. The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII of England) officiated at the ceremonial opening. Of the 700 proposals submitted in a design competition, one was unanimously chosen, a radical creation from the French structural engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel (b. Dec. 15, 1832, d. Dec. 28, 1923), who was assisted in the design by engineers Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, and architect Stephen Sauvestre. However, the controversial tower elicited some strong reactions, and a petition of 300 names — including those of Maupassant, Emile Zola, Charles Garnier (architect of the Opéra Garnier), and Dumas the Younger — was presented to the city government, protesting its construction. The petition read, “We, the writers, painters, sculptors, architects and lovers of the beauty of Paris, do protest with all our vigour and all our indignation, in the name of French taste and endangered French art and history, against the useless and monstrous Eiffel Tower.”
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Innsbruck is the capital of the federal state Tyrol and the biggest city in the Western part of Austria. It is located at 573 m elevation, 489 km south-west of Vienna, 190 km away from Salzburg. Innsbruck is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and offers a combination of culture, history and nature unequaled anywhere else.
Some of the major attraction in Innsbruck and its surroundings is “Swarovski Crystal Worlds” (Kristallwelten). The Swarovski crystal company is based just outside Innsbruck and they have a museum and store in the center of town. The entrance is from the big head and it leads to a crystal wall, made of 12 tons of the most perfect crystals in the world. It’s free. 
In the Swarovski Crystal world you will see many artworks by world-known artists – from Andy Warhol to Salvador Dali. You will also be in the heart of a crystal in the Crystal Dome and be a witness of some amazing shows in the Crystal Theatre. 
Other attractions include Tiroler museums, Hungersburg, Schloss Ambras, Wiltener Basilica, Bergisel, Hofburg, The Golden Roof, the Alpine Zoo. The beauty of Innsbruck city is protected by the architects who ensure that the new structures built in the city are harmonious with the preexisting Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance style buildings. 
Innsbruck occupies a particularly scenic spot along the Inn river with high Alps to the north and south. In winter you’ll find masses of deep, sparkling powder snow, unrivaled skiing and tobogganing. Come summer, you’ll find picture-postcard Alpine scenery, cool mountain lakes, and rambles through forests. 
Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany, perfect destination to explore its culture walking or on water. The port of Hamburg is the second largest port in Europe. Huge numbers of rivers, canals and lakes offer many opportunities for sightseeing the city from water. Hamburg has more bridges than Venice, Amsterdam and London, all together.
The picture shows the Fleetschloesschen, a little canal castle, is a former public restroom, then a customs office and now a cafe and restaurant.
Homeowners in the famous Winterhude neighborhood kept their boats on the Goldbekkanal, one of the many branches of the Alster River. The Alster River flows under the Sengelmannstrasse Bridge in the Hamburg neighborhood of Ohlsdorf, nearly five hours from the city center.
Many of the buildings in Hamburg are converted into lofts and commercial space for publishing, advertising and architecture firms.
Hamburg has more than 40 theatres, 60 museums and 100 music venues and clubs.
Source: qdqs.net
]]>Whilst there is plenty of amazing things to entertain and amuse in the centre of Paris, day trips from Paris should also be considered. What better way to discover everything else France has to offer than taking a leisurely tour to places such as the Versailles Palace, or the gardens of Giverny? There is more to France than just the hustle and bustle of the capital, so make sure you see it as much as you can.
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Tokyo is a truly cosmopolitan city and one of the best cities to visit in the world. Whatever you can think of, you can probably do it in Tokyo. The steady influx of tourists to the city has made the city itself conform to its visitors but not so much that it has lost its unique identity. Whatever you do in Tokyo, you will surely get a definite Japanese flavor even on the most mundane things.
Shopping
Shopaholics will surely have a great time in Tokyo. Shopping in Tokyo gets a bit easy because there are particular districts that cater to specific items or products. For example, Akihabara is the electronics and gadget haven. Shinjuku is where you will find a huge number of malls and department stores that sell all of the possible products that you can think of. Ginza, on the other hand, is the upscale, high-class section of the city where you will find the top designer stores and couture shops. Those that want to look at what’s happening in global fashion and get a glimpse of future trends can go to Harajuku where Japanese youth hang out while wearing highly individual street fashions.
Culinary Adventure
Being a world class city, Tokyo has become the home of some of the top restaurants in the world. And don’t be discouraged if you don’t like raw fish – restaurants in Tokyo are not limited to traditional Japanese cuisine. Almost all of the cuisine you can imagine is well represented in Tokyo. Even the giant names in the culinary world like Gordon Ramsey and Joel Robuchon have opened highly successful restaurants in Tokyo. Of course, a trip to Tokyo means you really have to try traditional Japanese food and you will never be disappointed. The fresh ingredients and authentic preparation and presentation is well worth the trip and the price.
The Red Light District
Let’s face it. To really get a true feel for street culture in any country, a trip to the red light district is practically mandatory. If Thailand has Patpong, Tokyo has the Roponggi and Kabukicho districts. Expect to see bright neon lights advertising the different clubs and bars in town. There are also many “love hotels” where the deed is done. If you’re really adventurous, checking out the love hotels can be a thrill in itself because of the many gimmicky rooms that most of these hotels have set up to entice customers.
Cultural Tours
Tokyo is filled with many museums that offer tourists a glimpse of Japan’s rich history and culture. If you want a Cliff’s Notes’ version of Japan, then visiting one of the many museums in the area will give you a crash course on Japan. These trips are well worth the effort and money you spend on them because it is a cost effective way of really experiencing Japan as a rich cultural destination.
Pop Culture Tours
If visiting the staid museums in Tokyo offers you a glimpse of Japan’s past, then the many pop culture destinations, exhibits and museums is a snapshot on what Japan is today and in the future. There are many museums that are being established in Tokyo that seek to give homage to the exciting pop culture of Japan. One of the most notable pop culture museums you should check out is the Ghibli Museum. This museum is a showcase of the art and works of famed anime master Hayao Miyazaki and his Studio Ghibli. Forget about Pikachu and Pokemon, Miyazaki’s work in anime are the true works of pop art.
Shrines and Temples
Even though Tokyo is a city that exploded into the future, it is still in Japan, and as such is still firmly rooted in the Japanese characteristic of respecting its history, embracing tradition and absorbing spirituality. There are many shrines and temples that you can visit in the area. These Shinto or Buddhist shrines are solemn, quiet and introspective destinations that will help you center your mind and give you a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Sports
The Japanese love sports. Be it their very American-like love for baseball or the obsession they share with the rest of the world for soccer. Tokyo is the place to be if you want to watch memorable and high profile sporting events. The Tokyo Dome is one of the most popular destinations for spectator sports and you should never forget to find out what’s playing in the venue when you’re in Tokyo.
Anime Conventions
The anime culture in Japan is just insane. To say that it’s understandable because anime originated in the country is still not a good enough reason for the fanatical zeal of anime fans in Japan. To get a real taste of true anime fandom, attend one of the many anime conventions that are held in Tokyo on a regular basis. If you’re ever in Tokyo in March, then you can attend the Tokyo International Anime Fair, one of the biggest anime conventions in Japan. Although it’s only the last couple of days that are open to the public, it is still an essential event to go to if you want to get really caught up on the anime fever.
Arcades
Japan is one of the leading powerhouses in the gaming industry. What the Japanese have for video games is almost sizzling love affair. And this love affair extends not just to video consoles or PC games but to the arcades as well. The video arcade is alive and kicking in Japan more so than in any other country. Even though the arcade industry has deteriorated in other countries, Japan arcades are still one of the hottest hangouts for teens. These arcades, popularly known in Japan as game centers or gamecen, are packed full of the latest video games, most of which are not even available in other countries. Go to one of the gamecens in the Akihabara district and take pictures beside those exclusive arcade machines to make your other gamer friends envy you.
The Tokyo Port Area
The Tokyo Port Area or Odaiba has become famous for water or aquatic based activities and pursuits. A number of really beautiful aquariums are located in this site and the port is a location for boat shows. This area is also the location of the Tokyo Teleport Town, a showcase area for futuristic living.
Kids Activities
If you are going to travel to Tokyo with your kids in tow, then it is almost a requirement that you take a trip to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea. The activities in these areas are almost self explanatory, and even if you’ve already visited the other Disneyland sites all over the world, Tokyo Disneyland and the Tokyo Disney Sea are still worth checking out to see Japan’s take on Disney.
This is a guest post from Japanican.com, a Japan hotel booking site.
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and clear blue streams all can be found inside the country’s national park system. The Abel Tasman National Park, located on the remote northwest corner of the south island, is often missed by tourists. My solitary experience of walking the 32 mile (51km) coastal trail and seeing hardly anyone except Mother Nature herself was an amazing experience.
It should be noted that the coastal trail, while well-maintained, offers little in the way of facilities or mobile phone coverage. Walkers should be prepared with food and drink, proper footwear, cold/wet weather gear, and first aid supplies. You must also carry a map and research coastal tides prior to departure in order to complete the length of the route safely.
My route took me from south to north, which is the most common and easiest to link in with public transport; there are other combinations you might find more suitable.
Department of Conservation huts are the only accommodation available in most parts of the park; they must be booked well in advance, especially in summer, and they are minimally appointed so be sure to pack appropriately. They have showers and toilets but no hot water. The huts do have kitchens but without any gas/electric, cutlery, pans, or other necessities – you will need to bring it all with you. Sleeping arrangements are bunk beds; take a sleeping bag and a pillow.
Getting there is the first challenge. Most fly direct into Christchurch from Australia or Auckland. If you are travelling from Wellington there is a ferry 
service to Picton. From either Picton or Christchurch you will need to take a bus to Nelson – known as the ‘gateway to Abel Tasman’ – or to Mouteka, which lies near the edge of the park. I prefer Nelson as there is plenty of accommodation choice, reasonably priced supermarkets, and a few good restaurants. Many of the hostels in Nelson will rent out any essential provisions you may have forgotten.
Another bus will take you to the start of the route, a raised walkway in Marahau. Upon departing from here, the trail soon heads uphill and into forest, although the path remains steady and clear at all times. In no time at all, you will feel as if civilization has been left completely behind. The track is lined with various types of ferns, including the silver fern, a widely used symbol of New Zealand.
Your first decision point comes high along the path above a tidal estuary near Anchorage Bay and Torrent Bay. There are plenty of beaches to be explored further along, so unless you are spending the night here, I suggest the high route where you can see more luscious greenery and find several suitable places to lunch. This direction turns decidedly inwards and upwards, offering wonderful vistas before heading downward into Bark Bay. After dropping off your gear at the hut, head straight for the beach. The golden sand and crystal blue waters never felt so good after a long day of walking.
Leaving Bark Bay, the route is at first quite steep, and then levels out. The water starts to become even clearer, 
the sand more golden, and the forests more green. As there are few kayakers beyond Bark Bay, your views are only interrupted by a seal or passing water taxi. Tonga Beach, with its golden-yellow sands, is a great lunch stop but this is a tidal crossing so be sure to plan ahead.
Further beyond, you will cross a chain-link suspension bridge – not for the light of heart, but it is the only way across. Awaroa is a natural stopping point due to the estuary and the plentiful accommodation. Huts are available here as well as the Awaroa Lodge, a luxury hotel complete with restaurant. Be sure to have a meal at the hotel, as the food is delicious and the bar is well-stocked, including Kiwi wines and beer. Awaroa’s white, pristine beach is covered with thousands of intricate and colorful seashells.
Leaving Awaroa requires good timing as this is the deepest of tidal crossings along the trail – the ground is covered with shells so do not go barefoot. Afterwards it is an easy trek to Totaranui, where you can buy yourself an ice cream in the caravan park or relax on the beach. There is also the option to spend the night here but I suggest continuing north to Whariwharangi where you can experience the exhilaration of reaching the end of the world – although it is just the end of the south island, as well as the end of the coastal trail.
Although you might not be in a rush to get back to civilization, it’s good to know your options. From Whariwharangi you can take the Abel Tasman inland trail, which is another 23 miles (37.5 km) back to Marahau. Otherwise you will need to head back to Totaranui for a water taxi or coach service back to Marahau and then any onward destination.
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