Kaiteriteri

Houses cling to green hills, the water is clear and a vivid blue, and islands crowd the bay’s mouth. Between rocky points sweeps the gentle arch of the finest beach imaginable. A large motorcamp takes up the level land that backs the golden sand, in summer crowded with holidaymakers. Withells Walk (1 hr), through native bush and with some fine sea views, starts at the back of the motorcamp.

Launch trips run along the intricate coastline of Abel Tasman National Park to the Astrolabe Roadstead and the remarkable curiosity of Split Apple Rock (inquire at the camp). At the northern end of the beach is Kaka Point lookout, a former fortified pa from whence a track leads down to Breaker Bay. Below Kaka Point, at the end of the main beach, is a spring where Capt. Arthur Wakefield (see the finding of Nelson Haven) drew water while searching for a site for Nelson. He very nearly chose Kaiteriteri.

Some 4 kilometres before Kaiteriteri is reached a millstone cairn is passed. Built of stones from an early (1844) flourmill, it commemorates Arthur Wakefield and Riwaka’s pioneers. From the cairn is a good view over valley and sea. Just beyond Kaiteriteri is delightful Honeymoon Bay, past which the road winds to the locality of Marahau. 14 km N.