Nelson & Abel Tasman

The next morning after tending to our animal husbandry chores of course we started our drive west via Nelson. I could definitely move to this happenin’ little spot. Until then we’ll be content with an afternoon in Nelson, perfect for lunch, grooming and provisions.

 

  

   

After unexpectedly spending 4 hours here, we continued driving to Abel Tasman National Park. We arrived in the evening at Old MacDonald Farm in Marahau, and I took a quick run to check out the area. It’s a backpacker haven with lots of young hippies. The park is only accessible by foot, bike or boat and many people trek the multi day track through Abel.

In the morning we took a water taxi to Anchorage Beach. We saw fur seal moms and pups sunbathing on the rocks. They have no predators here so live a relaxing stress-free life as do the other people in the area. After 5 hours at the beach we got to experience the extreme tide changes. If you, like me, are interested in tides the dramatic difference is very exciting. In the morning we left at high tide and when we returned it was a long stretch of mudflats. When we got back we were all pretty starving and ate at Hook before changing up directions and heading south.

   

     

    

   

   

  

  

  

We found a random half-way point for an overnight stop to break up the drive to Punakaiki. It was late when we got to the Murchison Caravan Park and we went to bed right away. It wasn’t until the morning that we could really see how charming it is. There were chickens, a wallaby, emu, cows, sheep and deer. We stayed just long enough to enjoy the animals and feed the emu. In town we popped into the Sweet As Bakery (see Harry’s kiwi talk post) for pies. You know what I love – kiwi pies.

Aaaaand 2.5 hours later we were at Punakaiki!