December 27, 2012
Heading down the path towards Whale Bay, we were treated to a beautiful view of two bays to the north: Woolley’s Bay and Sandy Bay. Woolley’s has a beautiful little beach between two rocky points that’s popular for picnicking and swimming. The big bay beyond that, Sandy Bay, is popular with surfers.
After continuing down the path, we arrived at one of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand, Whale Bay, a perfect crescent of white sand and blue-green water backed by a thick wall of trees. It had been well worth the 25-minute hike to get here.
After lingering at Whale Bay, we turned and once again enjoyed the scenery along the hike back to the car. Now it was time to drive towards Sandy Bay, where the road turns and heads back through the countryside to the main highway.
About five minutes into our drive, we came to a well-marked parking lot for Whale Bay. It seems we could have parked there and had a much easier and shorter walk, and I felt a little silly until I realized that I would not have wanted to miss the beautiful walk we took. I think Rich, in spite of not feeling well, would agree.
Our drive back to the highway was just as beautiful as the drive out to the coast, and it was well worth making the entire loop. In spite of the gray day, this was one of our favorite expeditions. –Cyndi
