After our emotional farewell it onwards to Takaka, a small town north of Motueka. A scenic drive up and over a large hill past where we had spent the night celebrating independence day was the only route there. We made our way along the winding road as the sun was setting and before we knew it we had arrived in Takaka complete with the petrol light on. We grabbed some food from the local supermarket and went to introduce ourselves to barefoot backpackers. The hostel was just like staying at someone's house a very small but comfortable place complete with pool table and table tennis we knew we would be at home there. A quirky woofer greeted us and let us try some of her home made bread which was delicious. Then, to our disbelief, Steve who we had met in te Anau walked in the front door. We all couldn't believe he'd made it up north as quick as we had and that he had decided to visit such a small town like we had but it was good to see him never the less. We soon got talking to the other guests, all 3 of them. Two guys from japan and an American guy called John, who turned out to be a competitive table tennis player and gave us a good run for our money. He informed us of a talk that was taking place in town the following night about the economy and how the world's resources would soon be running out if the economy didn't crash to save the planet. Interested by this the 3 of us, and the quirky woofer, decided we'd give it a listen. So after a good nights sleep complete with hot water bottles we woke up and went to the town market. Not a very big market but filled with character we had a quick look round then decided to head out of town and see what was about. The north most point of the south island was a short drive north of Takaka and on the way was the famous mussel inn pub so we thought we'd try the pub that day and go back tomorrow morning to see the north view point when we had some more time. We arrived at the mussel inn greeted by a pilar outside filled with mobile phones nailed no it from base to peak so we took this warning and left our phones out of sight. We ordered some food and drink which was very satisfying, had a few games of darts with John then headed back to Takaka to see the talk in town. We all had open minds for the talk and it was very informing, the man from California had really done his resource and put some great points across to get us all thinking how server the worlds problems actually are. However, after a quick beer in the local pub after, it all seemed a bit less worrying and we headed back to hostel. We woke up and checked out of the hostel with the plan to be to head up north then onto nelson giving John a lift on the way. We first checked out a remote beach about a kilometre south from cape farewell, the northern most point. It was lovely quiet section of beach offering some great sea views and also looked a great spot to learn how to surf, had it have been a bit warmer we may have been tempted. After a quick beach walk and trying to learn how front flip, some what unsuccessfully, we head back to the van for the short drive to cape farewell. We parked up and took the short walk to the seafront lookout and were amazed at what we saw. A terrific view out to see with a great countryside behind we were glad we had taken the time to come and have a look. We took some photos hopped back in the van and started the dive to nelson.