Off to South Island

I hugged Lauren and Lindsey, who were also staying on in Wellington, then boarded the bus for the Inter-islander Ferry.

The crossing was very smooth and picturesque, especially through Cooks Strait.

The ever familiar Kiwi Experience Bus was waiting for us at the Quayside when we got off the ferry at Picton, to take us to kaiteriteri. It was very warm here and we passed vineyard upon vineyard on both sides of the road. Some of which were very famous Marlborough Vineyards. I tried to photograph their signs as we whizzed past. This is Sauvignon Blanc country!

It was now beginning to get overcast as we pulled into Havelock for a toilet break. This town is famous for green-lipped mussels ….hmm. The road then became very winding round the mountains with many tight hairpin bends as we approached the city of Nelson. The first view of Nelson was of the bay with the tide so far out you couldn’t see the sea. We picked up a couple of backpackers here and then did a supermarket shop at Pik n Save. This seems to be the backpackers supestore. I managed to sort out my mobile’s internet problem here in a Vodofone store and bought a couple of nice looking pieces of steak for my dinner. Will probably be as tough as old boots. I would cook these with two big mushrooms and a sliced courgette, I thought. Chips would be too difficult and weren’t really necessary.

We then entered the area of Abel Tasman Park and the weather was just beautiful here…. I may do some Kayaking tomorrow, but I was the only one who put their name down for it. Where is your sense of adventure guys???

The hostel here was very nice just yards from the beach and a good room with just 4 of us and ensuite. I cooked my steak and I have to say it was absolutely delicious, very tender and tasty. All it lacked was that glass of Lindemans but this was a no alcohol hostel so just water for me tonight. But I had strawberries to finish… yum! And I was able to sit outside for dinner in the warm evening sunshine.