Farewell Spit

Farewell Spit

A 35-km (22-mi) protected sandbar with a 19th-century lighthouse, Farewell Spit is renowned for its tremendous seabird population. The best way to see the sandy, rather barren landscape is on a tour. A trip with Farewell Spit Eco Tours (Tasman St., Collingwood. 03/524-8257 or 0800/808-257. www.farewellspit.co.nz) is an absolute must if you are in Golden Bay. Each of the two tour itineraries takes you out along the Farewell Spit; one tour will take you to a gannet colony. (The company is the only one with a DOC license to visit the gannets.) Costs run between $79 and $105; reservations are essential.

You could also saddle up for a trip with Cape Farewell Horse Treks (Wharariki Beach Rd., Puponga. 03/524-8031. www.horsetreksnz.com); this outfit offers some of the best horse trekking in the country, with spectacular beaches and wild views. The sturdy, handpicked standardbred horses know exactly where they're going. For the best views, sign up for the Pillar Point Light trek ($45).