Geology Picture(s) of the Week, August 14-20, 2005: Farewell Spit, New Zealand

NASA Earth Observatory: Farewell Spit, New Zealand ^ | August 2005 | NASA

[cogitator]

The linked source above provides the article and a link to a full-size image. Here's the smaller version:

Here's a "where is it?" context map:

and here are various images from Farewell Spit (apparently -- not absolutely certain in the case of the first two, but very likely). This appears to be one of the world's ultimate natural beaches.

and finally, found on the page that provided the last image above, these "Pancake Rocks" are somewhere in the vicinity:

[cogitator]

I think if I had a two-week vacation to New Zealand, I would go stark raving mad trying to figure out what to see on the itinerary and what to leave out.

[cogitator]

** ping **

[garyhope]

Beautiful. Thanks for the pix.

Is a "spit" a little finger of land sticking out somewhere?

What was it in "Muriel's Wedding", Dolphin Spit or Porpoise Spit?

[ken5050]

Frodo's house...

[headsonpikes]

I have two grown kids in NZ right now. They report a fabulous realm.

Seriously.

[geezerwheezer]

Absolutely beautiful....my wife and I visited NZ 6 years ago, then spent 6 weeks in Australia, scuba dived at the Great Barrior Reef, went everywhere, tried to see everything, got home exhausted and had to take another week to rest up! Thanks for the photos. Go as soon as you can!

[mwyounce]

Yes.... Here's a textbook definiton if you want it:

"Spit: An elongate ridge of sand that projects from the land into the mouth of an adjacent bay."

[Khepera]

you are correct. Look at Whilloughby Spit in Norfolk VA. for an example.

[43north]

Wow! Although I am familiar with the beautiful Homer Spit in Alaska this one looks like amazing and it is not developed, either. Wonder how the fishing is around there?