Abel Tasman Walk

I am now confused! I thought the Queen Charlotte Walk was one of the best anywhere, but Abel Tasman seemed even better! We chose the 5 day option which involved 2 nights in each of 2 lodges, thus giving us 'rest' days in between an easy, a moderate and a hard day of 17km. There were 10 on the walk, a family of 5 (the 3 boys were great) , 3 girls traveling on their own and Cheryl and me. There was a good spirit amongst us and we feel we have gained new friends. In no small way this was due to our guide, Sanne, who was lovely to us all - always cheerful, knowledgable and sensitive to what we wanted as a group and as individuals.
Perhaps this walk made us aware, not only how beautiful this part of New Zealand is, but how it can be enjoyed and not just looked at. I have lost count of the number of beaches that were just breathtaking - arcs of beautiful golden sand, backed by glorious forests, leading to the bluest of seas matching the blue of the sky. The coast line always intriguing, inviting you on to yet another bay around the corner. Out to sea would be islands such that memorable views were offered in all directions.
The lodges were comfortable, great food, and set in wonderful places, such that it was down onto the sand and a short or long walk to the sea, depending on the tide.
The estuaries provided us with the pleasures of kayaking and canoeing - and I got involved! I am a non-swimmer and Sanne's gentle persuasion got me out on the water and it was a great experience.
I felt proud of doing the Queen Charlotte walk but I want to do the Abel Tasman again!

Queen Charlotte Trek

This was one of the best walks I have ever done - in fact it must be one of the best walks in the world! It is a hard walk with 2 days over 20km and many serious uphill sections as you work your way up to the ridges that give amazing views over the Queen Charlotte Sound and into so many picturesque bays. It starts from Ships Cove, where Captain Cook landed 5 times and we had overnight stays at 3 places that offered wonderful food and fine wines. Looking down on the sea which was the bluest I have ever seen (and yes I have been to Greece) with mountains rising up was simply stunning. Generally the weather was good with warm sun and blue skies making it great walking weather. However day 3 of 22km really tested us! It is an 8 hour day and after 2 hours the weather closed in dramatically and we had torrential rain and strong winds gusting to 80mph, as we were on the edge of a cyclone. Very soon we were soaked through and our boots began to fill with water - no option - no alternative escapes, so we just had to have the right mind set and march on.
Fortunately day 4 gave us good weather again and the most marvellous views that will stay with us forever.

Wellington

We were up at 1.15am to fly out of Rarotonga on Tuesday for the 4 hour flight to Auckland only to find it was Thursday when we arrived! The great administrator had simply taken a day away and who knows what I might have acheived on that day. Something to do with crossing the Internationl Date Line. From Auckland in the dark to a lovely morning in Wellington. Wonderful to see Wellington from the air with its bays and with houses built up the valleys and hills.
We spent some time in the fabulous national museum 'Te Papa' which translates as 'Our Place'. The history and culture of NZ in a great building on the waterfront.
From there up the cable car to the Botanical Gardens which occupied us for 3 or 4 hours.
Day 2 saw us taking it easy as we were exhausted by such a long day yesterday. First stop the Cricket Museum and, YES, it was very interesting.
Now to concentrate on the cafe culture of this relaxed city. Plenty of people lots going on and no hassell.

Cook Islands

We chose the Cook Islands as a break in the journey to New Zealand and flew into Rarotonga for a 2 night stop. It is truly a tropical paradise with surely the best beaches in the world and wonderful coloured sea. BUT it still rains here. On day 1 we used the bus to go around the Island. 32km and 45 minutes on the one main road, the only decision is whether to go clockwise or anticlockwise. On day 2 we hired a couple of bikes to explore about a quarter of the island. It is the first time I have been on a bike in 52 years! I am typing this standing up! There is a lot to be said for spending time here. The people are so friendly and so relaxed. Quite a lot of them are very large but still look as though they can run after you fast so it is not worth a confrontation, but that just does not happen here. The girls are lovely with flowers behind their ears as the norm, and their skin tones are beautiful. There are no high rise buildings and even the parliament building was quite unassuming. Hard to believe but there are adverts for the other islands so you can get away from the hustle and bustle of Rarotonga!!