On friday I seperated from the bus ( everyone was getting on the ferry for the north island) Instead I headed off to Nelson... It was a really nice sunny day I soooo needed a bit of a relax after the previous sea sickness day. Stayed in a really really nice hostel I think I had the best night sleep ever... I mean given hostel standards.. Although I learned that women do snore as well ;) In the evening I treated myself to a night of cinema.
Saturday I had an early start. Took the bus at 6:45 in direction of the national park Abel Tasman. I first took an Aqua Taxi which pretty much is a speed boat which delivers you to the different beaches from where you can then go tramping. I went up quite a bit along the coast to get an overall overview of the bays. Saw once again plenty of seals and dolphins even a little baby one. so cute :) I then got dropped off and went on a 3.5h walk. it was beautiful you are simply in the nature can only hear your walking boots as you move along the path and the little birdies in the bushes. They have some pretty cool trees around there as well and the vegetation was changing quite a bit. Passed by a little lagoon which really did look like a small lost paradise. lovely ... The Abel Tasman is mainly coastline and then there are walking tracks which connect all different beaches and bays..
Around 16h I got picked up 2 beaches down and arrived back in Nelson around 19h. Sunday was unfortunately quite rainy so it was a chill out day which I greatly needed. Had some really nice roomies and was glad that for once I wasn't in a party hostel !! who whoooooo.
Today I left Nelson and took the ferry to the North island. Quite funny at the ferry terminal I met 4 people that I knew ( they were in my group at the beginning). that made the 3-4h ferry more entertaining. playing cards and chatting away. Just came back from having a little wonder in Wellington.. Was alright but I am happy to be moving up further North tomorrow to Taupo. I am hoping to be able to do a 8h hike there which is also rated as one of the highlights of NZ. hopefuly the weather will be good :)
I can't believe I am already coming to my last week in NZ. Time went by sooo quickly. Already have to start looking into hostels in Buenos Aires. Flying off on the 2nd of december.
hope all is good!
Stef
