From Wellington to Nelson, NZ

Mon 16 Feb, 2009 -Taupo to Wellington

Started the day heading out of Taupo along the lake and the same views as I had yesterday morning, well views are probably better as it wasn’t dark! Had a brief stop in Turangi, then headed along the Desert Road which runs through the Rangipo Desert which is where some of the Lord of the Rings was filmed (apparently haven’t seen the series fully). Stopped for quick photos of a live volcano - not that it is currently (visibly) active. The rest of the afternoon was basically driving to get to Auckland by 5pm.

Spent the night at the Downtown Backpackers which used to be one of the original hotels in the city. It was also close to the ferry for tomorrow morning. On the way into town got a tour of the main attractions though couldn’t go up Mt Victoria due to road works. Jen went for a walk around the streets whilst I sat (still recovering from yesterday!) Though I did go for walk along the foreshore had dinner on the other side of the city then walked back to the hostel via the main street.


Tue 17 Feb, 2009 - Wellington to Nelson

Got to the Interislander Ferry Terminal, via an extremely full shuttle bus (at least the driver lightened the mood with some interesting comments), for the 8.25am ferry to Picton. Tried to keep ourselves occupied for the 3hr ride. Pulled out the sudoku and then quickly moved onto something that we both could do … boxes! However, being out in the open waters of Cook Strait, the slow up and down started taking its toll. So headphones on for a bit of distraction, face front, eyes closed and wait. A couple of hours later and into the safety of the Malborough Sounds the waters calmed and so did my head/stomach. Coming back to the spectacular scenery of the sounds was fabulous. Spent most of the hour travelling down trying to figure out where I actually walked a few weeks ago - never managed to though. Somewhere out there!! Arrived and got bags off the conveyor right in time to jump on the bus to Nelson.

Stopped at a winery on the way and had some tastings of some lightly flavoured whites and reds. Finally got the wine tour bit done! Not counting the early morning of the 1st Feb I haven’t had an alcoholic drink all month. I’m not counting this as a ‘drink’ as it is a ‘tasting’ therefore I’m still having an alcohol free month - like my philosophy!!!

Arrived in Nelson at 4pm and stopped at the Paradiso Hostel. Will stay here for the next 3 nights rather than stopping closer into the Abel Tasman overnight. Took a wander through town after a soup dinner which the hostel provided. It is a nice city. Yes it is classified as a city not a town - though is certainly has a town feel.

Wed 18 Feb, 2009 - Nelson

Today we were off on a free (donation) tour provided by the hostel. We went on walk up to a cave in the hills behind Nelson. It was a great walk with it getting a little steeper at the end. It was a slow, relaxed pace set by the guide. Jen slipped on the rocks when crossing the river and got her shoes a little wet. I took the dead log option which I thought was easier than the rocks, but yes potentially further to fall. The tour took 4hrs with a lunch stop at the river on the way back. It was nice to get out into the local areas rather than the more tourist based walks.

Got back to the Paradiso at 2pm(ish). Sat and read for a while by the pool. Later went for a walk to the Centre of New Zealand. This point is at the top of a hill in Nelson and given the shape of NZ would appear to be in the middle of the length and width. Wandered back to the hostel via town and that was about the extent of the day. Nice and relaxed!!