RECIPES

Wednesday 1 July 2020

Split Apple Rock

An intriguing granite formation can be seen off the coast of Tasman Bay in the South Island.  It is a naturally cleft rock in the shape of an apple that has been cut in half.

The Maori legend associated with this Rock is that two feuding gods were fighting to possess it.  Eventually they split it in half, giving rise to the Maori name of Tokangawha, meaning “burst open rock.”



There is a steep walkway down (I counted 115 steps!) to the beach from the carpark.



Like nearby Kaiteriteri, the sand on the beach is a golden colour (it is composed of mostly quartz and mica particles), only here it also has some black ironsand threaded through it.



It was a pretty little bay, but would have been much nicer if the day hadn’t been so overcast.



It is always fun to seek out these lesser-known spots to visit.

Enjoy your day J

Margaret.

 

LINKED TO My Corner of the World


19 comments:

  1. Thank you. I've enjoyed my walk along the beach. It's overcast here in the UK too, which does put a damper on things.

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  2. Hello,
    Beautiful scenes and photos. The steps can be a workout. I like the split rock and the view of the beach. Have a great day!

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  3. It is very satisfying to discover these out-of-the-way places, and there is a good deal of natural beauty and interesting geology here. The Maori legend adds spice to the adventure.

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  4. I've never heard of that rock. An interesting formation. Those golden beaches are beautiful

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  5. Love those legends. So much more fascinating than the scientific explanation.

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  6. That little beach would be beautiful whatever the weather, sun or rain or anything else!!! Love the image of the split rock. That must have been a very loud bang!

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  7. What gorgeous pictures, many years ago we vacationed in New Zealand, had such a good time.

    Hugs Diane

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  8. I love the places you share...this is interesting.

    And I meant to tell you yesterday I loved your snow shot.

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  9. That is an interesting rock....it really does look like an apple split in two. The beach is lovely and no doubt worth the 115 steps. Too bad the weather was less than lovely. Hopefully you can revisit on a sunny day.

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  10. I remember seeing that rock years ago - thank for the wonderful memories it evoked
    Stay safe
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  11. What an extraordinary rock! Love the photos!

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  12. OMG, Tasman - beautiful. Thank you for the reminders. Kayaked round a bit of the coast there years ago, and possibly my favourite part of the country.

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  13. The rock is a real curiosity. I would love to know how the feuding gods managed to split it.

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    1. Obviously lightning, Graham. They were gods, so what else would they use? :))

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  14. Very pretty bay. I love the way that this country is so full of beautiful spots.

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  15. That part of the coast is truly spectacular! Thanks for these photos. I couldn't do 115 steps any more!

    'My Corner of the World' is happy to see you this week! Thanks for linking.

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  16. It is beautiful, thank you for sharing!

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Thank-you for visiting my blog. I love it when you leave a comment so please feel free to have your say. Have a great day! Margaret xx