Walked through a subtropical forest in the footsteps of 19th century gold miners in nearby Kahurangi National Park. It’s New Zealand’s second-largest national park, one of the least-visited, and slightly off the beaten path; a good choice for B-list travelers.
Tag: Hawaii, New Zealand 2020
Domestic Duties Done
Domestic duties done.
Disappearing Beach
As we walked, the beach slowly disappeared under the rising tide.
On Golden Bay
Drove on the left on slow roads to Golden Bay in the far northwest of New Zealand’s South Island. We’ll chill for a week in an isolated VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner) cabin.
Queen Charlotte Track 2020
Last week we hiked the Queen Charlotte Track for the third time. Including a rest day we took five days to walk 72 kilometers along a well-engineered and maintained trail. This was a walk in the park, especially as our backpacks were transported ahead of us by boat. We took a boat to the start… Continue reading Queen Charlotte Track 2020
Scheduled Catamaran
A regularly scheduled catamaran appeared to take us along the coast and out of Abel Tasman National Park.
In the Moment
Today, Dwight took charge of the point-and-shoot. While he tested the limits of the lens with vegetation he found interesting, I stared wistfully out at the Tasman Sea, or focused on a leaf, sometimes realizing how good it was to be in the moment.
Splurge
Our splurge is three nights at Abel Tasman National Park, staying in the lodge, enjoying the trails and local food. Green-shelled mussels from The Marlborough Sounds with fresh pasta, salad veggies from the lodge’s gardens, Pinot Gris from nearby Nelson.
Green Shadow
Green shadow of tree fern on trail. Abel Tasman National Park.
Backpackers on a Bus
Rode a scheduled bus, carrying mainly backpackers, for the two-hour journey to Nelson, the second-oldest settled city in New Zealand. Over the next twelve days we’ll explore the northwest corner of the South Island by foot, boat, and car.