New Zealand - part 2

Because the timetables on several roadmaps didn't match with ours we decided to leave the rain at the westcoast and to drive north in one stretch, off to The Abel Tasman National Park.

The park is known for its beautiful nature with walks and kayaktrips. Motueka is a town from where you reach the park easily. From the i-centre we booked a taxi–hike–taxi trip and a kayak–walk–sailing tour for the day after.

A watertaxi took us to a bay in the park. From there we walked through the park to another bay where the watertaxi picked us up again. After a nice and hot walk we had plenty of time for a swim.
On the way back in the taxi the sea was rugged and the kayaks in the water were having a hard time. Oh oh, we have to do that tomorrow!



Luckily the next day the sea was very mild and with a small group of 6 people we could really enjoy the views and the furseals laying on the rocks. After a proper coffee break it was only a short peddle to the next part of the day. A short walk across the mountain led us to another bay with a large Catamaran. Here we would sail back to Kaitiritiri, the town where the watertaxi dropped us yesterday.

About 15 passengers were on board the catamaran of captain Alan. He first motored us out to a couple of sites. After that he asked Mijke grab the helmstick so that he could raise the sails. You should have seen the eyes of the others. The captain let Mijke sail the whole journey and eventually it came to a race between him and Mijke who could sail the boat the fastest; 10.6 during the competition.



Totally satisfied we arrived back at the cabin. We wanted to stay a day longer to go to sunny old Golden Bay but unfortunately the cabin was already booked for the following night. After a phone call to a holiday park right at Golden Bay we we're making ourselves ready for a nice day at the beach

That's what we've hoped for. Reality was different though. After arriving at Pohara it came poring and we didn't spent much time at the beach.

The next day we were off to Nelson, the arts and craft “capital” of the island. For over 20 years they hold a fashion show with wearable art which we viewed at the museum of Wearable Art.

The last day of the trip we went to Hanmer Springs to stay in their famous spa's. A beautiful ride through the stretching nature. De so called famous Springs weren't as special as we'd hoped. The sulfur smell was just too much and it was basically more a family swimming pool than a proper spa. We enjoyed the hot pools and the picture taking....

Well, that brings an end to our New Zealand trip and we're getting ready to be back in the surf in Australia. New Zealand is truly a wonderful country where we will definitely return.

Here are the pictures of the last week in New Zealand

New Zealand - part 2

Greets, Mijke en Robbert