Nelson to Kaiteriteri 06.02.10

Only a short trip today so thought we would drop off our bags and go exploring. No luck dropping the bags as we couldn't get any answer so off we went towards the far north west point, Farewell Spit. This is the longest sand spit in New Zealand and forms a coastal barrier that protects an important staging area for migratory shore birds. It is considered to be a Wetland of International importance. Unfortunately access is restricted so we were only able to view from afar. We picniced at Milnthorpe Quay a little inlet that we found off the beaten track. It turned out to be a wildlife and nature reserve and we saw Calfornia Quail with about 20 chicks and also a long beaked bird best described as a large moorhen!