The wet wet West coast

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Hi everyone..here is the next instalment!, have had an amazing few days travelling round. NZ is such a great place and the van has been a good way of getting to see it all. We've been staying in camper van sites though as they make it a bit more sociable (and have showers and toilets).

We travelled up the tropical west coast and stopped in to Franz Josef glacier which was not visible to the human eye due to the dense fog (didnt feel too disappointed as we'd already seen Mount Cook). Went for a few beers in the evening and met an interesting yocal who told us (in detail) about how he'd killed and hung a wild boar that day and complaining about what a hard life they have in NZ. Needless to say we checked he wasn't following us on the way back to the campsite !!! Carried on our journey through our first day of torrential rain to the Abel Tasman region returning to scorchio sunshine. Took a water taxi around the coast deep into the national park and did a couple of fantastic walks. Best one was from Bark Bay to Torrent Bay. Stunning coastal scenery and tropical beaches!

Drove on through the Marlborough wine region and didn't sample a drop on the way! Not to worry, the wine cellar in the back of the Toyota is well stocked!

Whistle-stop tour through Nelson and Blenheim. Nothing special so kept rolling through to coastal town of Kaikoura. Saw a seal colony on the coastal route. Now booked up for a spot of whale watching tomorrow (24 Jan) at 7am!?!? Catching the 2pm ferry to Wellington. Looking forward to seeing less sheep and more humans on the North Island. It's all go! hope u are all good

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Comments

[Stuart]

Wowweee
Looks like your having a great time RB......remember to enjoy every single moment when your out and about so free! Will be in China from the 26th till the 5th so I'll be on your side of the world at least! I cant wait to get in lots of trouble! Take care and look after Helen... Badger is moving his warren this week!

[Jo]

Brazilian
Hello my dearies, All travelling needs the crazy local stories, at least this guy was telling the story in English......how's your portugese?? So did the Wine cellar travel with you to S.America or was there one hell of a party in the back of the toyota? Looking forward to the next installment. Much love, Jo xx