Nelson's Saturday market did not disappoint- almost any craft, artist, gourmet treat or fresh something you can imagine. What was expected to be a quick 1/2 hr tour turned into a morning, but well worth it! We made a leisurely rest of the day car ride up into Golden Bay area at the northern-most point of the south island. We spent the afternoon at Wharariki beach exploring the limestone arches and spotted a few sea lions sunbathing. A quick stop at Cape Farewell- the exact most northernly tip of the south island- and then through Golden Bay to overnight at a little hostel in Collingwood. The weather has finally caught up with us and it was a bit cloudy, but still nice to be outside.
We spent the next day wandering south through small towns- Takaka, Moetueka (which happens to have a Sunday market!) and on to Marahau at the south end of Abel Tasman National Park. We spent the afternoon digging up clams right on the beach (hot tip from the MSK kayak office!). The result: a delicious supper of seafood pasta- YUM!
It was raining when we woke up, but we headed out in the kayaks to explore the coastline of Abel Tasman. We managed to stay pretty warm and had some fantastic paddling despite the wet weather. By the end of the day, we were both pretty wiped out and we headed back to Nelson for the night- in time for the nightly chocolate pudding, of course :)
On our way out of Nelson (which has definitely grown on us), we stopped at a carver's studio whom we met at the Nelson market. We also stopped along the way to sample some local wine at a couple of the vineyards. Then we made our way along the Queen Charlotte Scenic drive through the Sounds to Picton, where we've been staying for the last two days. The hostel we've been at is the sister-hostel to the place we stayed in Nelson- same great atmosphere, chocolate pudding with the added bonus of a hot tub. Picton is quite beautiful with great closeby views of the Queen Charlotte sounds (although the weather has kept us from actually hiking in those trails....) and a bunch of little galleries and shops, all tucked around the little harbour. With our ongoing chocolate pudding intake and little-to-no hiking of late, we better get moving soon...
We board the ferry to cross onto the north island later today and stay a few days in Wellington. The clouds are still low, but it will be a great vantage point for views of the Queen Charlotte Sounds among the mist- a great way to spend a drizzly afternoon!
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