Nelson and the National Park

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After Wellington, our time in the North Island was up. we got the ferry over to Picton and the weather was good so it only took three hours. We headed straight from the ferry terminal to a winery where we tried three whites, some spirits, dressings and oils so a good visit!! As the weather was great, our driver took us to a river so we could have a swim and a jump off the surrounding rocks. it was so good to feel the sun again but with burn time being 12 minutes, we lathered the factor 30 on (a bit of a strange experience on the 9th January!) After this, we headed straight to Nelson where we stayed in a converted hotel with a really nice courtyard. We were chuffed to be staying 3 nights so we could at least unpack a little. That night we had a roast cooked by the staff complete with Yorkshire puddings which were nice but not up to the Janet or Julie standard!! With full tummies, we went to explore Nelsons night life whih didn't really get started until about midnight but we managed to find a place with cheesy music and a dance floor so all good!!

After a day of recovery and organisation, we had a trip planned to the Abel Tasmin National Park. it is one of the smallest in NZ and it was totally stunning! we got a ride there and then hopped in to a water taxi to explore the coast. we went right up to the North by passing a seal colony and the 'split apple rock'. we were then dropped off halfway down to start our hike. we of course looked effortlessly stylish in our three quarter length trouser/boardshort/ walking boot combos!! We ahd been going for about and hour when the path dissappeared in to the sea, doh!! our driver had told us to lake the low tide path but that was obviously lies so we back tracked and headed out on the higher path. we dropped into a few bays on the way to marvel at the colour of the water and sky and made our end destination in 3 and a half hours. we were dripping with sweat (nice!) so it was great to be able to peel our clothes off and run into the sea. there was time for a spot of sunbathing and then it was time to get the water taxi back to get the coach back to Nelson.

We treated outselves to fish and chips that night when we met up with the rest of our bus who had been Kayaking that day and had matching red knees!!

Hope everything is well at home and you all remebered to take the Christmas decorations down in time!

Laura
xx

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Comments

[Lisa/Skirtz]

Happy Late Holidays
Ames (and Laura too!) - you gals are really setting the whole world on fire. Good for you - keep up the amazing experiences. Sounds like your holidays were lovely! I still think you should have come to scenic New Jersey :)