Jen and I had one full day at Mason Bay; nowhere near enough time to explore in-depth but long enough to know we need to return. The Homestead backs on to Big Sandhill, a 156m high sand dune with bush hugging its leeward flanks. The track through the bush gave precious shelter; once out in the open we were sandblasted with westerly gales making it difficult to stand up when we were on the windward side of the dunes. Sand swirled in tornado-like fashion along the flatter parts of the dunes and eyes were barely open as we struggled against the wind for the 2-3km stretch down to the sea. Magic!!
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| Looking north |
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| Looking east |
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| Looking west, beach just visible in background |
There were magnificent sand sculptures...
...and loads and loads of kiwi probe marks (not that clear in my photos though). Some of the kiwi footprints showed the tenacity of my favourite bird - eg walking across 45° slopes with deep gouges as they dug their claws in to keep their balance. Despite searching the dunes and walking the tracks late at night/early morning, the kiwi stayed hidden from view; we heard heaps of calls though and came across fresh kiwi poo - will definitely have to go back.
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| The distance to the beach was deceptive, it took 75 mins from here to reach it |
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| Hummocky dunes loosely bound by native sedge, pīngao |
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| Marram-covered foredune - next on the weeds plan for eradication |
