Nelson

Trip Start Nov 05, 2007
1
21
45
Trip End Jun 01, 2008

Flag of New Zealand  ,
Tuesday, February 19, 2008

This place was a bit out of our way but it was recommended by so many travellers we decided to go. After a long bus drive we arrived hours later. The scenary on the way up was sweet. Miles of empty beaches full of seals, followed by acres of vineyards, mountains and lakes. Some of the best scenary yet.

Nelson was a cool little spot full of shops and bars. The hostel we stayed in is recognised as the best in NZ. It was more like being in a sun holiday resort than a hostel. When we got there people were lying in hammocks under palm trees, playing volleyball on the sand, and sun-worshipping around the pool. My only complaint was that the hot-tub was slightly cold and the sauna slightly warm - what a shithole!

We went sea kayaking one day, 2 in a canoe. Twas hard work riding against the wind and waves. We stopped for lunch at a great spot, threw on some tunes and went for a dip, then back into the Kayak. The area that we were in was known as 'Abel Tasman' national park. Loads of littles islands and unspoilt beaches. We made it as far as a small commune known as Anchorage. Then we got the water taxi back to the original beach. The water taxi (which was a speedboat) was then dragged for about a mile along the beach to the road by a tractor. Funny.

The hostel provided free soup at 6pm which was savage. At 10.30pm if people want to go drinking and make noise they can go into a bus parked by the pool at the back of the hostel. The bus was kitted out with couches, tables, speakers and games of jenga. We sat around with two litre bottles of home-brew from the local micro-brewary...great selection of ginger beer, 9% cider, lemon demon ale etc.

Mad spot. Could have stayed longer. Would have stayed longer except we had to catch a ferry to Welly. Time was running out.
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