http://www.travelblog.org/Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/ Travel adventures in journals and photos from Oceania , New Zealand , South Island , Nelson Region en-us Wed, 15 Oct 2008 22:22:34 BST Wed, 15 Oct 2008 22:22:34 BST Well as you can probably tell from the Title of this blog I have done a skydive D OMG it was soooooooo amazing unlike ANYTHING i've EVER done before D ahhhhhhhhhhhHehe.....anyways now that I have that news out of system I shall tell you about the past 4 days.....i love how i made that sound like something really interestin ghas happened when it really actually hasn't P mwahhahaha http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/Nelson/blog-299849.html Hello Well since my last entry I have had a crazy few weeks. I spent my bday in Christchurch and worked on my bday til 9pm then got off and was given a bday drink by pretty much all the bars in sol square so I got pretty drunk courtesy of sol square. I worked a couple more shifts after my bday and called it quits on Saturday the 21st which was a ridiculously busy day to be my last day since the A http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/Nelson/blog-297314.html Despues de conocer a Barb and Boz partimos hacia la punta mas norte de la isla del sur Cape Farewell.Nuestro viaje por la isla del sur lo hicimos en sentido antihorario http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/blog-292937.html Hey everyoneWell here we are in Nelson although we leave for Franz Josef early tomorrow morning. We had a great two days here. After arriving on the ferry from Wellington which was a very cool ride we took a bus from Picton to Nelson and arrived around 3. We got into our hostel and I was just settling down to call Dads for Father's day when in walked Lisa and Ashley It was great to see some f http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/Nelson/blog-288360.html Well we left the family a few days back in Hamilton really enjoyed our stay with them We didn't really do much while we were there visited caves had one day at some farmers show oooh arrrr some of it was cool the animals for sale and the stalls I bought some rather nice fudge yum But other stuff e.g. displays of various farming machinery wasn't exactly my cuppa tea There was other http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/blog-287458.html right the ice bar was cold. even in a ridiculous number of layres and ugg boots. then we got an 11 hour train to sydney where we checked into the legend has it hostel. cheapest room being 21 dollars sharing with 27 other people. it was abit smelly in the mornings but madd fun. did many exciting things such as take lots of photos of the opera house see a man juggle a flaming torch an apple and a http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/Nelson/blog-283144.html We left Kaikoura in the early hours on a cold bus and were soon at a bakery where we stocked up for our breakfast the local traditional pie being my food of choice. The journey then continued onwards to Picton where the folks going to the north island left us to catch the ferry. Our stretch of the journey was then continued by our new driver Pam. She was to be our driver through the entire west http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/blog-280626.html Successful daysAfter we found the wonderful beaches at Farewell Spit and drove back via the mountains of Abel Tasman we got to do some kayaking again This time we paddeled a full day unguided around the Abel Tasman National Park. Not only stunning beaches and wonderful islands were our company but also little seals They followed our kayak swam in cricles and jumped like doplins Unfortunate http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/Nelson/blog-275617.html 210108 We were on the 8am bus to the ferry port but without Alan by my side it felt strange. We had been like brothers over the past few weeks. I was still in good company though and was so looking forward to the South Island. It was a 3 hour ferry journey packed with amazing views. I spent a long time on top deck talking to an old gentleman from NZ. We jumped on our new bus and on the way to Ne http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/Nelson/blog-274113.html After leaving Wellington nice and early we caught the fery to the South Island at half 7... As we had been out partying in Wellington slept most of the way to Nelson. Arriving in Nelson we stopped off for some wine tasting not really something someone wants to do with a hangover however the wine was very nice that night we had a little leaving party for emiko and becka the girls i met on my http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/blog-269516.html Auf dem Weg zur Bridge to Nowhere gab uns der gelernte Koch aus Wien der auch mit von der Partie war den Tipp in Picton die hollaendische Baeckerei aufzusuchen. Das Brot sei zwar laengst nicht gut aber immerhin besser als das was man sonst so im Lande bekommt. Er hatte Recht Es ist nicht gut. Wir bleiben dann doch lieber bei Pam's Toast Sliced Mixed Grain oder Soy Linseed.Heute finden wir http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/Nelson/blog-269110.html Hi everyone our time in New Zealand seems to be running out very quickly so here is what we've been up to in the last weekWe had a couple more days in Dunedin Hogwarts was difficult to leave but we did go to the lovely farmers market we're complete suckers for markets and this was definetly one of the better ones. We also went to the world's steepest street Baldwin Street and it was incredib http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/Nelson/blog-267853.html Witam Tylko tak krociutko bo tez nie za wiele sie wydarzylo. Niestety pogoda nam sie troche popsula i pada juz od 3 dni choc dzisiaj niebo wyglada juz ciut lepiej tfu tfu tfu zeby tylko nie zapeszyc. Jestesmy juz na wyspie poludniwej nadal na wybrzezu a jest trzeba przyznac wielce interesujace. W lini prostej mialoby okolo 40km ale faktycznie ma okolo 200300km setki malych zatoczek i polwy http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/Nelson/blog-267182.html We're now in Nelson which is quite a nice easily walkable town although the weather has been a bit gray and rainy over the past few days. Fortunately we're staying at a fantastic hostel right in the centre of everything so it's easy enough to walk on the covered walkways as needed. Our hostel is called Accents on the Park and is really really nice. It looks about brand new is absolutely spo http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/Nelson/blog-266870.html I arrived in Nelson a bit early to join the walkers having read the wrong line on the website showing when they were arriving in Picton. They were also running a bit behind schedule. Consequently I had almost two weeks to kill in the Nelson region while I waited. And it's not a bad place to wait.I accidently arrived on St Patricks day and checked into the cheapest closest backpackers. It tur http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/blog-265504.html So last I left off I was leaving Akaroa to go to Nelson which I had been to briefly before and really liked it the hostel especially. It was St. Patty's Day and I was arriving late at the hostel once again fearing I'd be sitting in a corner with my book. But as I've learned there's not much sense in resigning to that until its absolutely necessary. So I situated myself in the kitchendini http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/Nelson/blog-264561.html Nelson south Island Around the 10th 11th December 2007...i thinkI Remember arriving at Nelson and this very nice hostel called Paradiso. The sun was shining for a change the weather was warm. I was feeling a notch better within myself but no where near 100 still.At the hostel they had a volley ball court so i thought i'd arrange a game and show off the volley ball skills i'd picked up in http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/Nelson/blog-261117.html no breakfast this morning wasn't really feeling breakfast but I did grab a few pears for late morning snack. Spent the day with Elaine at the shop so nice...got to learn about the ups and downs of running a business and dealing with dropkick people but now I have more respect for those who can pull it all off. lunch consisted of Subway in the store with Bruce he went back into work so Elai http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/Nelson/blog-259902.html Easter breakfast this morning eggs tomatoes toast hashbrowns and juice then received 3 huge Cadbury Crunchie Easter eggs from all adults so much chocolate decided we would try rock fishing to start the day that went poorly seeing as how all the lines got stuck in the rocks the fish were bighting though went to Maupo to go to the beach. there just so happened to be a fair going on at the http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/Nelson/blog-259881.html woke up this morning to have breakfast wheatbix again then got ready to take on the rest of the day went downtown to the local market did some touristy shopping then went and hung out with Elaine at the furniture shop for a while. went to Natureland with Jan Reed and Fergus basically a miniature zoo where you can feed the ducks sheep goats birds rabbits pigs and anything else that ha http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/Nelson/blog-259877.html woke up to a screaming child at a ridiculously early hour but managed to get back to sleep. woke up and had my first experience with WheatBix and yogurt it was actually really good met Elaine's sister her husband and children Reed and Fergus. Fergus instantly fell in love with me and I soon became the center of attention for him. went on a hike to the Centre of New Zealand the geographi http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/Nelson/blog-259876.html On my birthday we arrived in Nelson after an arduous three hour ferry journey and subsequent bus rides full of at least ten very hungover backpackers .Along the way we had stopped at a very unwelcome due to our fragile states winetasting as well as stopping for a few picturesque walks which we were unfortunately not in a position to fully appreciateWe stayed two nights in Nelson and on the f http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/Nelson/blog-259865.html We stayed nearly a week in the and around the town of Takaka and its many attractions. We did have the misfortune of a negative kiwi experience and lost a few of our dear belongings including our packs phone and Christina's vision both glasses and contacts were in her pack. We were fortunate in many regards and Christina is making due with some wonderful 14 glasses in the mean time. From T http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/Nelson/blog-259452.html Back in Nelson after our exciting weekend in Auckland we tied up some business matters and found a neat little place to stay called Hacking Park. Here we decided to try some new bedding options as the air mattress has been more of a hassle than comfort it is loud whenever you move uncomfortable hard on Christina's shoulders as it is unstable and hard on Kirby's lungs as it doesn't hold air http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/Golden-Bay/blog-259442.html After a very early ferry journey to the South Island the bus dropped me off in Nelson. I arranged to catch everyone up in Abel Tasmin as I had made quite a few friends on that bus and was keen to carry on travelling with them. I checked into a small hostel called Paradiso which was small and quaint and had a pool and spa which is unusual for a hostel. I had arranged to meet Phil an old friend fr http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/blog-259409.html Arriving in the South Island first on the list was wine tasting The Malborough region is covered with vinyards just waiting to be sampled so naturally we had to oblige Our tour took in about 5 wineries all giving lots and lots of tastings Pauline was nearly on the floor after the first winery gave us about 8 wines to sampleFully loaded up on wine for a while we headed north to the Abel Tasm http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/blog-259380.html Hey guys Happy Easter and all that We are now in Nelson having spent 2 days enjoying blenheim where we bought wine and cheese drank and ate and then did what me and Matt do best...... We picked up 2 people Irish Paul and Ozzie Naomi and gave them a lift to Nelson where we ditched them and found our hostel. Hmm how can I describe Nelson. Well it's laid back you may say or others may say i http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/Nelson/blog-258730.html After National Park I got the bus to Wellington. I wouldn't really recommend travelling by bus in New Zealand by public transport. The bus was fine but the timings aren't great. Anita I planned to get a bus from Taupo to National Park but there are only 2 buses a day so we missed that and decided to hitchhike instead. This was act a much better plan as we got picked up within about 5 mins and go http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/blog-258510.html Why haven't I learnt that 'good ideas' inevitably hurt The Abel Tasman is fantastic but I should have worn my hiking boots not my hiking sandals. The walk took four days three to get to the hut at the top of the walk and one day to get back to the water taxi. What can I say about the walk The NZ 'bush' is lovely lots and lots of tree ferns growing all over the place creating lovely dark wa http://www.travelblog.org//Oceania/New-Zealand/South-Island/Nelson-Region/Nelson/blog-257246.html