Christchurch, Hamner, & Nelson

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Hi there,

After some false starts we have the blog up and running (we think).

We flew into Christchurch about a week ago. It is a very cool town. We spent two days exploring the gardens, shops, and restaurants(!). Before heading out of town we picked up our sweet conversion rig. It's about a 10 year old Nissan Vanetta. The name pretty much sums it up-it's a van that comfortably fits us as long as we don't gain any weight. By looking at it you wouldn't guess that it holds a queen size bed, propane stove, fridge, pantry, and table.

From Christchurch we headed north to a 'spa resort' called Hamner. For all you Idahoans it looked a lot like a poor man's Sun Valley. We went ATVing through mountain streams followed by a good long soak in the sulphor hot springs. We camped beside a trampoline the first night and did some rockin' bouncing. Dave looked soooo goofy.

It was about a 3 hour drive through the wine country to Nelson. Nelson is a very nice town on a beautiful beach. There must be a 1:1 ratio of restaurants to people, but we ended up in the same restaurants for both our meals out since it was just too good. Based on a cute girl's recommendation Dave insisted that we camp out by the airport😊 While it was loud, it was right on a gorgeous beach.

On Tuesday we start the Abel-Tasman Track. More on that later.

-Rebekah & Dave

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Comments

[Cahizzy's]

just wondering if you guys wanted to come over and watch a movie or go bowling this weekend. oh wait...you're in NEW ZEALAND. love the pictures. glad to hear you's are safe and eating well. miss you (and hate you only a little bit). rowan says w'zup. can't wait to read more!

[ILENE]

BEFORE YOU LEAVE NZ
Call my friends in Auckland, the Rowlands would love to meet you.

[HUMPHREY]

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY
Don't hold your breath waiting to hear from National Geographic for a photography position.

[Jay]

Fun Trip
Dave, Looks like you are having a great adventure. Thanks for sharing the blog. Have Fun!!! j

[Becca & Na]

Wine...of course
You are doing our dream trip!! No kidding, just the other night Nathan was telling me how he wants to rent a van and live in NZ for a year. You beat us to it, luck!!! Anyway, Nathan said to drink Pinto Noir from the Central Otago. He says it's the best that NZ has to offer. Have a wonderful time and thanks for including me in your adventures!!!