By land, Air and Sea.........

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Wow, what a start to the South Island, and even the weather has been with us:

Day one of the South Island
Well following our crossing over the Cook Strait and through Queen Charlotte Sound we arrived in Picton. First consideration was the fact the wine had run out so it was of to a couple of wineries for the afternoon! We visited Saint Claire Winery first and had a spot of lunch, before a bit of tasting and the purchase of a couple of bottles of wine. We then went to a preserve shop and a chocolate factory/Shop for a bit more tasting and purchasing! We then went onto Fromm winery, again more tasting (by now Agatha was getting a bit giggly - keeping us amused!). Here we were able to go into where the barrells were kept and fill our lungs with the scent of french oak and ageing wine. Following this again there were some more obligatory purchases! We then headed out of the famous Malborough region, and up to the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. Abel Tasman was a famous Dutch explorer and is responsible for New Zealands name. Zealand simple means Land from the Sea.

Day two
Well what we didn't mention from day one, was we had a quick stop in Nelson to visit the information centre, here we booked a couple of trips and two special jumps! So first stop on Day Two was the Abel Tasman Sky dive centre, here both Jan and Agatha would be jumping out of a perfectly good plane from 13,000 ft. For those of you who don't know this is the same place both me and Ian did our Sky Dives a couple of years back. Both of them showed very little nerves and had a brilliant time - see attached photos.

Following this we thought the best medicine for a bit too much adrenline was a 4 hour 11.5km walk! So we headed into the National Park, caught a water taxi to a bay called Anchorage, and then started our stunning walk and what a day the sun shone! They don't quite do it justice but see attached photos.

Day three
Today we had a bit of a morning drive, before reaching Kaikoura. Here we had a Whale watching trip booked, again the sun was shining! We saw 3 different Sperm Whales, a large pod of Dusky dolphins, a couple of the rarest dolphins in the world the tiny Hector dolphins, a number of Albatros and a number of fur seals - the whales were spectacular! We then headed to camp and had a dinner of Rock Lobster and Green Lipped mussels (the mussels were cooked by Ian on the BBQ!).

Day four
Well after all that excitment, it was time for a rest so we headed for a morning in Hamner Springs, another thermal wonderland of different temperature pools of varying mineral makeup. However the sun did not shine, instead the wind blew strong - Jan got a twig in the head and Ian a bee in the back but they are both ok, and still had a wonderful relaxing morning - as did we all. We then got on the road again passing over New Zealands longest bridge, and over the canterbury plains, before stopping just a few kms down the road from Mt Cook village where we head tomorrow - so till next time....

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Comments

[Ton & Berty and kids]

What a dive
Jesus..... familie whats happening! never thought that you all were willing to risk your lives.. while we have to take care of Oma and King Arthur. But never the less.. marvelous to see you are enjoining! great pics. we have to show yhose to Oma Winters. Everything goes great. Oma phoned for some groceries and the pics on the thing. (laptop) so we have to go to her to show immediatly. hear you soon love from us

[Els]

Hello all, great to see pictures! A funny idea. It looks like you all have a great holiday. Everything is oke overhere. Wilmer wins with rugby and Marle has got two 10´s for tests so that cost Agatha money! Next week I go to Emmeloord again to see the oma´s. Love from us Els and co.