Hey Guys! Another update:
8th April '08 - COLLINWOOD AND THE FAREWELL SPIT
From Picton, travelled North West (stopping for a short time in the Marlborough Sounds) until we reached the small hamlet of Collinwood. During our stay here, we visited the Farewell Spit - a large stretch of sand that marks the northern most point of the South Island. Only guided coach trips have access onto the Spit itself, so we decided to go for the cheaper option of viewing it from the nearby visitor centre! Here, you not only get a good viewing point, but you also get to learn lots about the importance of the area as an arrival destination for migratory birds! Cool eh?! Apparently, the Spit is home to over 30,000 migratory birds (the most noticeable being the black swan, of which we saw thousands), and many of them will have travelled a good 25,000km to arrive there! I thought this was incredible, but Anna and Tom just said I was a little bit weird for taking such an interest into something I'm usually scared stiff of! They are probably right!
11th - 14th April '08: THE ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK
After our visit to the Farewell Spit, returned South to the Abel Tasman National Park where we did a three-day trek along the popular coastal path. Was the first time I've had to walk with a full rucksack on my back but managed surprisingly well. Fortunately, the going was pretty good with relatively little climbing, otherwise I may have found it more difficult. Also, Anna shared a tent with me and Tom, so that also helped to cut down on things to carry.
The walk itself is very beautiful. The route winds its way through native bushland along the coastline, passing some bonny little coves and sandy bays. There were a few tidal crossings to overcome which involved taking your boots and socks off and wading across an empty lagoon at low-tide in a foot deep pool of mud! Fun, but very puddly! Anna claims she stood on an eel!
The two campsites we stayed at were absolutely lovely. Completely basic (no facilities other than a toilet) but set in the most stunning locations. My favourite, Bark Bay, was almost like an Island. On one side was a white sandy beach and the open sea, and to the other was a clear blue lagoon. We pitched in a little wooded are between the two, and had a roaring camp fire in the evening. Tom scared the life out of me and Anna with his ghost stories!
All in all, a fantastic weekend, and magnificent weather to top it off!
14th - 16th April '08: St. ARNAUD (NELSON LAKES)
From the Abel Tasman, travelled South again to the Nelson Lakes National Park. The scenery here was very picturesque - quiet lakes surrounded by bush-covered mountains. We were kean to do some walking but sadly the weather turned on our arrival and it rained non-stop for a good couple of days. Also, the sandflies were out in there numbers - the worst we've encountered yet I'd say. Percerviered for a couple of nights and managed to fit in a few lowland walks, but in the end decided that in such poor weather without the shelter of a gnice cosy pub we ought to move on to somewhere a little more civilised!
16th-18th April '08: PUNAKAIKI
After leaving Nelson Lakes, continued South down the West Coast to the Paparoa National Park where we stayed in a little town called Punakaiki. After out three nights of camping in the pouring rain decided it was time to treat ourselves to a night in a hostel. Opted for a YHA associate called 'Te Nikau Retreat' and made a good choice! Was the coolest hostel we've stayed in yet. Our dorm was located in the midst of rain forest and was so cosy and well-looked after. Also, in the mornings, the owners baked fresh loaves of bread and homemade muffins! They were delicious!
Our hostel was just 10 minutes walk from the most amazing beach. A real contrast to the golden sands and still waters of the Abel Tasman, but equally impressive. It was very rugged and exposed, with jagged rocks and crashing waves. I loved it!
Also, visited the famous 'Pancake Rocks' which were only a 5 minute drive from the hostel. These are a series of rocks that are made up of alternate layers of limestone and mudstone, giving them the resemblance of a stack of pancakes (hence the name). We were forunate enough to see them at high tide and in quite a rough sea, so they were very impressive. Even saw a couple of blow holes in action which occur when the sea surges into caverns below the rocks then is forced upwards. Very Cool!
18th - 21st April '08: JACKSON'S RETREAT
From Punakaiki, drove inland a little to a fantastic campsite up in the mountains called Jackson's. The facilities were top notch with the most amazing log fire in the lounge! I'd say it was one of the nicest sites we've come across yet.
During our stay here, drove over to another beautiful lake called 'Lake Brunner' and ended up cimbing Mount Te Kinga. It was a very difficult walk, a steep climb from bottom to top over difficult bushland terrain. We nearly gave up on a few occasions! However, the effort was well worth it when we emmerged from the bushline and the views became apparent. It was a crisp clear day and you could sea the Tasman Sea to the west, the lake below and the awesome snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps to the South! Amazing! In the evening finished the day off with a trip to the Jackson's tavern for a good hearty meal and a few pints infront of the fire! Tom went for a dish called 'The Log of Hog' which I'm sure must have conatined about half a pig!
Well, think I'm pretty much up to date again now. Just heading to the Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers now which look fantastic, so will let you know how we get on.
Hope you are all good at home! Miss you all and will be in touch again soon!
Lots of love, Clarexxxxxx
