Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Touring the north of the South Island (April-May 2014)

(ferry route seen from chris' chin to paul's cheek) 

The trip starts on the interisland ferry from Wellington- taking us
through the spectacular Marlborough sounds


First stop: Abel Tasman National Park

Our 4 day trek along the coast begins with kayaking into the park

including a few tight squeezes















Once on the trail it's incredible views...
waterfalls...
stunning beaches...


















adorable suspension bridges...
wetlands...
















and birdlife.
There were also challenges including heavy packs, lots of elevation,
















and carefully timing a few major tidal crossings.
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

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

Before hitting the natural hot springs water park!!!
















Keikoura peninsula: Where the sea meets the Southern Alps

The parking lot for the peninsula walkway... almost ran over that sea lion pulling in
Ocean,  pasture, mountains
Peninsula lookout

Heading north back up the coast we had an amazing time

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

The valley in early autumn
We rented a few bikes to go from vineyard to vineyard...
Where we strolled the grounds
















And hit the cellar doors
Some of our favorites

Miraculously still standing (and biking) we brought plenty back to
skybox Wellington.... hopefully can share with you here soon!!

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