earthsea

Farewell Spit, New Zealand’s longest sandspit, curves around Golden Bay to create a wading bird sanctuary of international significance. The spit is formed entirely from sand, derived from the erosion of granites, schists and other rocks on the West Coast, which is transported northwards by coastal drift.

The inside beach of Farewell Spit is our favourite beach-combing place. So many balls, boogie boards, Frisbees and other toys wash up there, after the summer holidays, from other beaches in Golden Bay. When our children were younger our walks along the inside beach were termed ‘Christmas shopping on Farewell Spit’!

‘The Inside Beach’ is a low tide, late winter afternoon view looking out towards the lighthouse. I have painted this from a point just past where the pinetrees end and the track leads to the outer beach.