Nelson, Motueka and the Abel Tasman

My very good friends Bruce and Alison picked me up from Waikawa and we drove the very winding, but breathtakingly beautiful route following Queen Charlotte Sounds, more of the stunning scenery I had enjoyed on my walks previously, but seen from a different angle.

We soon arrived in at their fabulous property at the end of Pukeko Lane, with its panoramic views over the estuary, and , right next to my room, the sheep with their lambs, 13 of them as I write, but a couple more due any moment now. I could imagine that if I lived here, I would waste hours watching the wee lambs frolicking around or , when the ewes are lying down, standing on their  mum's back to try to get them to stand up so they can feed. Late afternoon, as we enjoyed a daily spa and glass of NZ white, the lambs would come alive, have a little get together and then tear around the paddock. You can already pick out the leaders and trouble makers! Super entertaining! It will be hard to eat lamb when I next visit.

The spring weather has been marvelous with very chilly mornings and evenings, but clear blue skies during the day, with lots of sunshine. Could  not be better.

Spring is in full swing, with colourful blossom everywhere and the golden kowhai trees in full bloom. Their blossom attracts the bellbirds and tuis, whose birdsong is absolutely wonderful. The pretty little silver eyes love the nektar too.

It wasn't all spa, wine, good food, laughter and lamb watching. We also had an awesome day in the Abel Tasman National Park. I have always wanted to go there and walk the famous track there, and finally I had the chance to do part of it. What a perfect day in every respect. We took the early boat taxi from Kaiteriteri, itself a fantastic place with the most gorgeous beach, especially at this time of day and year! In summer this place will be heaving with tourists and locals. I will definitely be back, and out of season for sure. What a breathtaking sight it was as I took this panoramic photo of the pristine golden sands and calm sea just before we left.

Bruce, Alison and I were virtually alone on the top deck of the boat. It was chilly, but the cold was worth it for the incredible views of the Abel Tasman National Park.

This was one of the first of New Zealand's 15 parks and is the smallest with 237 square kilometres! It also joins with a marine park. It certainly does not seem small as one travels along the spectacular coast, with limestone cliffs, interesting rock formations

 golden sands and kilometres of undulating, forest-clad hills. 

The water is so clear. It looks so inviting, but was still pretty  cold, even when just paddling.
We got dropped off at Awaroa Beach, a magnificent expanse of white sand, and  a brilliant introduction to this truly fantastic area.

We had a snack at the lovely Awaroa  lodge and afterwards I had a massive shock as I went to the toilet there. Just as I sat down, the alarm bells rang - very loudly! I have never left a toilet so quickly. I seriously thought I had done something wrong by sitting down, whereas in fact it was just a  fire alarm practice! Anyway, I recovered from the shock and then we climbed up through lush forest to a small pass, just looking over acres of unspoilt land covered in ferns, pungas ( tree ferns) and manuka, to name only the most well known. It is, and hopefully will remain, a paradise on earth. How lucky we are to have it so close by.

After a short walk through the bush, we popped out on yet another fabulous beach. It was even more special because, in general, we had these unforgettable places all to ourselves. 

How I would love to camp here. It must be heavenly! One problem in summer, though, is the number of sandflies and mosquitoes. Luckily, we were a little early for them.  The colour of the water was a sensational turquoise, and it was so clear. 

After a truly memorable walk through the forest, strolls along the golden sands, and a refreshing paddle in the clear, rather icy water, we were picked up by the water taxi at Tonga Quarry beach, the site of an old stone quarry. The trip home was beautiful, especially with the sinking sun catching the waves, which looked as if they were covered by millions of shimmering stars. 

What a day! I hope I will be back to walk another part of the track. It was a sensational experience, and really easy to do with the help of the water taxi part of the way. No heavy packs or sleeping rough. Perfect!

With Motueka only twenty minutes away from Home, we frequently drove there to have some short, but pleasant walks along the estuary. Wherever you are, the views seem to be fantastic.

While Alison went to Pilates, I had a walk around an inlet, enjoying the lovely kowhai trees and views to Mount Arthur in the distance, only 1790 metres, but with a decent amount of snow on the peaks. The contrasts of colour  were stunning.

Sadly all good things must come to an end and I must say 'goodbye' to my friends here, the noisy pukekos in the fields and the cute little lambs who are racing around the paddock as I write this! 


I will miss the phenomenal sunrises and such spectacular views from my bedroom window, but am looking forward to seeing Mark and Emma again and getting back home to my own piece of paradise! In a week I am off south to see David. What a fabulous life!