On the south Island now... Abel Tasman

Shortly after arriving on the south island we spent a couple days in the town of Nelson and prepared ourselves for a 4 day trip (living out of our backpacks) in the Abel Tasman region. We completed a coastal walk with added up to around 50km and then kayaked back to where we started. Was a great little trip and we were both sad when it was over. Below are just a few of the pictures we took...

Here's a couple of the great ocean side/beach views from up above on the coastal track.

We would hike up and down all day. Walking along beaches, and then climb over hills to get to the next beach!
You can barely see me here! In a full size picture it is more clear, but I am having some fun running around on a sand bar/intlet, which fills up with water at high tide, and empties at low tide. Jillene and I got stuck here at high tide (Bark Bay) because I was bound and determined to take a short cut and cross the water and saving some time. Needless to say, after about an hour of me wading through armpit depth water (on me) , fighting the current of the tide coming in, and trying to find a route we were forced to turn back and go around! Jillene never said 'I told you so'... really!

Finally, on our way back we did some kayaking and got to see things like Split Apple Rock up close. Kayaking was alot of fun, all on its own and the scenery was just a bonus. We also saw some seals which I enjoy a ton, but bore Jillene! On the way back kayaking we ran into a nice little head wind which extended our trip. We had some nice size waves coming at us and made it all the more fun for the both of us!

Oh yeah, GUNNAR ~ You'be probably noticed that I seem to be wearing your hat in a few of these pictures. Now I know it followed me to Costa Rica, and then to Ontario, and now somehow made it with me to New Zealand. We'll sorry about that buddy, it is just that I thought it would like to be reunited with you when we get to Bali! Hope you don't mind. I still consider it your hat even thought it has been shaped to fit my head... and just so you know, everyone loves it! :)

Like I said before... we were both terribly sorry when this trip ended. Was too much fun irregardless of the cold nights sleeping on hard ground with the worlds worst sleeping bags. The days more than made up for it. But the trip must go on and we headed to the southern alps next...