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| (ferry route seen from chris' chin to paul's cheek) |
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The trip starts on the interisland ferry from Wellington- taking us
through the spectacular Marlborough sounds |
First stop: Abel Tasman National Park
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| Our 4 day trek along the coast begins with kayaking into the park |
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| including a few tight squeezes |
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| Once on the trail it's incredible views... |
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| waterfalls... |
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| stunning beaches... |
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| adorable suspension bridges... |
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| wetlands... |
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| and birdlife. |
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| There were also challenges including heavy packs, lots of elevation, |
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| and carefully timing a few major tidal crossings. |
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After 4 days and 3 nights in the park we caught the water taxi back,
and the water taxi caught the tractor, and we remained in the boat
as it was towed all the way back to our hotel. |
Next stop: Hamner Springs
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After 4 days of trekking the perfect pit stop: a natural hot springs
playground with acres of whirlpools in which to rest our weary feet
and tend to our aching muscles |
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| Before hitting the natural hot springs water park!!! |
Keikoura peninsula: Where the sea meets the Southern Alps
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| The parking lot for the peninsula walkway... almost ran over that sea lion pulling in |
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| Ocean, pasture, mountains |
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| Peninsula lookout |
Heading north back up the coast we had an amazing time
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| Stopped for lunch with a view and then... |
THE AMAZING BABY SEAL HIKE
For safety the baby seals swim and waddle their way from the sea upstream/inland playing adorably the entire time
They end their journey at a spectacular waterfall
But can also be found everywhere on the trail
Final stop: Blenheim and Marlborough wine country
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| The valley in early autumn |
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| We rented a few bikes to go from vineyard to vineyard... |
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| Where we strolled the grounds |
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| And hit the cellar doors |
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Miraculously still standing (and biking) we brought plenty back to
skybox Wellington.... hopefully can share with you here soon!! |
