Week 2: Jan 27- Feb 2
We ♥ New Zealand. This week started out in Abel Tasman National Park where we were able to pick up a cancellation and get on the Abel Tasman track for three nights and three days. The hiking was a great introduction to tramping in New Zealand and gave us some good insight before we attempt The Kepler in three weeks. This tramp meandered through the forest bush and along the coastline of the the Tasman Sea offering breathtaking views every step of the way. At the end of Day 3 and four hours in, we followed a path leading to a cafe/bar and lodge…in the wilderness? We had to see to believe. And, after Will had a few beers and I took another look at the big white, fluid filled blisters on my left foot…well, it didn’t take much to pull the credit card out and book a room. A very big SPLURGE, for sure and we loved the bed, the shower and the organic dinner. We won’t apologize or be embarrassed that we didn’t finish the final two hours of the trek. Boat taxi the next day brought us back to civilization as VERY happy campers!!!! The big burger at Fat Tui’s was also a huge bonus that we deserved. We left the tramp car park and headed to Nelson where we have friends from Salt Lake who have moved here. Megan and Andy offered us an empty house that they just purchased. I had my own yoga studio overlooking the Tasman Sea. We arrived and spent the next four nights GLAMPING! We loved catching up with this family and hearing about their move and transition to this fabulous country.
Reasons why I still ♥ New Zealand:
Brilliant laundry concept. Buy a key at any market, find a Liquid laundry center (they are everywhere in NZ), use your loaded key, do your laundry and reload when you run out of money.. So easy, accessible, clean, and quick…makes traveling EZ
NO Tipping
Places:
Jan 27,28,29: Abel Tasman National Park Jan 30,31 Feb 1,2: Nelson
Accommodations:
F: Watering Cove Campsite (only 2 other parties, forested beach front) Sa: Barks Bay Campsite (MANY people, young, loud backpackers a little too close for comfort. However, beautiful beach spit. Su: Peppers Lodge at Amarua (4 star lodge with all the amenities including the wilderness and overlooking a wetlands) A stunning place to have a beer and blisters………. M /T/W/Th: Andy and Megans house in Nelson
Activities:
F/Sa/Su: Tramp Abel Tasman M: Water Taxi out/Drive to Nelson T: Mountain bike ride on Rabbit island/Mapua W: Wine Tour and Scenic drive through Marlborough Wine Region, Picton and Havelock. Saint Clair, Cloudy Bay, Forrest and Highlander Vineyards. Saint Clair, our favorite, had an amazing Saugvignon Blanc. Th: Rainy, rest day. Tea, library for internet and a movie!!!! “Lion” is amazing, inspiring and Dev Patel is hot!
Abel Tasman : Check.
