Right off the bat in New Zealand we took off for the Abel Tasman National Park with Elizabeth and her friend Chris. Kiwis (New Zealanders) have an entirely different vocabulary and outlook on hiking (tramping), camping, and experiencing the outdoors. I really have to say that they have a wonderful system and it makes the outdoors more accessible for more people. The Abel Tasman track (trail) is called a Great Walk. A Great Walk is one of a few of the more popular tracks in New Zealand and it means that it has a very good infrastructure. The trails are extremely well marked, there are huts and camp sites all along the track, and there is either fresh and/or drinking water at every hut and campsite.
Details aside, everything about the Abel Tasman track was beautiful. The flora and fauna are so different from what Kat and I are used to, but with a similar geography and climate to the northwest. Around every corner was an exiting new plant or bird. Also around every corner was a new golden beach with turquoise water!
We had an excellent time with Chris and Elizabeth on our four days on the track. Unfortunately for Elizabeth, she had a surfing accident the week prior and dislocated her left shoulder. Not wanting to cancel the trip, the rest of us volunteered to carry her gear for her!
We overnighted in the very cute town of Nelson on the way home and spent an entire day wine tasting in the Marlborough region on the South Island. This region is especially known for it's whites. We sampled, and of course purchased, some excellent wines. Our exchange rate made this an excellent value! Kat and I are extremely disappointed that we won't be able to share any of the Kiwi wines with people back in the States! But I have to recommend that the next time you're going for a white try a New Zealand label. I'll try to do some research on what is being shipped back to the US.
Lush hills, golden beaches, and torquoise waters
Lots of walking on the nice sand
Elizaperson was a trooper! Four days of tramping in a sling!
Tidal crossing. Kiwi men normally wear shorts this short so they didn't have to roll theirs up like I did.
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1 comment:
Glad to see the pics and see that all is well. We just got back today, ready to go back it was almost a white out on the road north of Omak, real downer to go from white sands, clear blue sky and blue crystal clear water to the cold white stuff. I'll attempt to create this same post to share some of the photos. All our love
Mom and Dad
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