New Zealand South Island

Now we had a more realistic idea as to how much distance we could cover in a day's drive ....it helped that it's the island Gwyneth had just spent the better part of a month studying. We knew what was worth seeing and were able to pick the few of very many wonderful places to visit. After the ferry to Nelson we were off to Abel Tasman National Park. After we left for the States Gwyneth and Mitch spent a few more weeks here. Wish we'd had another lifetime to see this place. this.....

The rugged northern tip of the South Island of New Zealand on the way to the port of Nelson.

the ferry's sister boat heading back toward Wellington

Nelson, not much here except the port, but in a place where access to the ocean is 'everything', this is a well used place.

Gwyenth and Devin standing on the edge overlooking one of thousand of coves - perfect for camping.

Flora is totally amazing and beautiful - even the introduced stuff .....

'Lush' barely discribes the place

One of many

perfect cove

Southeast edge of park near Ranger station

Crossing the mountains to the northwestern side of the north island.

Cape Foulwind. Awesome place with great surfing in the coves and colorful little town with unique breweries....

Larger view of the cape area

Rocks with kelp and hang out for young seals

Farther down the western coast are 'pancake' rocks. National Park nearby at Punakaiki

Paparoa Nat'l Park

don't get caught here at high tide !!!!

plenty of time for a short walk

Tree ferns and palms

mountain forest

another 'lush'

wire bridge going to gold mining area ( defunct ) and on our way to a hot spring....

rain makes the creek rise

nice gradient

Gwyneth's feeling the power

Mountain lake pass - the view from the spa at Mauria Hot Springs (almost heaven)

Heading north east through the fog in the mountains

Made it to the east coast above Christ Church to the town of Kaikoura

Lovely place for the seals to rest and relax

Low tide

low tide at the point. Off shore of this area we were later to go 'swimming' with pods of up to 500 Dusky Dolphins: the great climax to our adventure on the islands. We were to drive to Christ Church where Gwyneth spent a month at School. We left her and Mitch to begin their 10 or 11(?) month odessey which will take them north through Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and where she will go through Laos and Vietnam eventually. What a trip!

We'll add another chapter or two using Gwyneth's and/or Devin's photos to this page. Check back for further adventures.

North Island Page