Tenth and Eleventh weeks in NZ - Abel Tasman National Park

We are on our last stretch of our time in NZ now. Last week we landed in Nelson, and made our way to our new home near Motueka. It's near Abel Tasman National Park, which is what we really came to explore on the North of South Island. So happy we decided to spend a good amount of time here. It's been the last leg of our adventure in NZ, and also our favourite. The weather is cooling significantly but last week the days were sunny and bright, which gave us just enough time to explore. This eleventh week is rainy and chilly but that's okay, it gives us time to prepare for our trip to Australia, and get a few basic things done, like laundry! 

Words can't really describe how beautiful it is here. We're staying in the country, but with good access to Nelson which is a bigger city, and Motueka, a smaller one. We have two lovely fruit trees in our backyard, producing apples and feijoas. There is a family of pukeka birds we see every day, even saw them chucking apples out of the tree and running away with them. You can see the ocean up ahead, which is walking distance away, and the mountains behind it. We have our own private bedroom and bathroom, with an adjoining living room and kitchen next door, which opens into a huge studio. It's been great having this space to exercise. It's so quiet and peaceful here.

And bonus, there is a coffee shop down the road which sells the most amazing coffee fudge cake ... been there a few too many times. 

We managed to get 3 day trips in last week before the weather took a turn for the worst. 

Day 1: Kaiteriteri Beach 

Beautiful golden sand beach on the edge of Abel Tasman National park. Did a short walk here but mainly spent the gorgeous day soaking in the sun on the spectacular beach.

Day 2: Takaka 

Drove up the mountain (hairy drive) to Takaka, a hippy town on the other side of the national park. Stopped for some lovely chai tea, and went to see Pupu springs close by; the clearest water I've ever seen. We then drove to a random beach, and walked all the way to the ocean; the tide was really far out but it was so much fun walking all the way there, to then go swimming. Another beautiful sunny and hot day, and honestly this was one of my favourite parts of our time in NZ.

Day 3: Abel Tasman National Park 

We booked a kayak for Sunday to explore the park. After a very early safety briefing session, we jumped in our kayak and explored the coast. We kayaked for about 3 hours, going around a few islands, and best of all seeing some very cute and playful seals, including one who tried to eat my paddle! We crashed on a beach for lunch, then made our way to Anchor Bay where we dropped off our kayak, our arms were exhausted by then. We then walked all the way back to where we started, walking along the edge of the mountains. It was a beautiful walk, but because we didn't want to get back before sunset, we legged it and managed to do what is normally a 4 hour walk in 2.5 hours! When we got back to the car I just laid down in the grass, only to be motivated to move because I was getting bit by sand flies. Such a memorable day.

Well just a few days now, and we're off to Australia for another month long adventure! Really excited but a bit sad to be leaving NZ. Hopefully Australia will be just as amazing.