Nelson (in the north) and then Kaikora

Arriving in Nelson, we walk around the vacant town due to the Easter holiday weekend.  We camped that night in a field near cows and the beach—always exciting!  We walked to the beach that has an extreme low tide, leaving behind huge muddy fields.  We walk all the way out to the buoys that are in knee deep water which doesn’t seem too clean.  Of course, Erik feels something around his legs.  Awesome—I am outta here.  Another great day spent together.  Good night NZ.

Saturday morning and off to the market we went!  Everyone in town seemed to show up.  We wound our way around the many stalls, from food to candles to jewelry to wool socks!  We splurged on some pork buns and split a crepe with seasonal fresh fruit and cream--yummy in our tummies!  Back in Snappy, checking Nelson off our list, we made our way down the East coast.  Stopping along some small town such as Blenheim and others, we finally stop in Kaikoura for a freezing night right next to the beach.

Before we get there, Erik asks me, “Want to take a turn at the wheel?”  At first I think this is a death wish, but before I know it I’m driving down the road along the wine vineyards in the driver’s seat.  Just a bit down the road I went which that was plenty for me.  I couldn’t risk our lives (and the stress on the relationship) on the “challenge of driving here” and be okay with myself.  Erik knew the competitor in me got the best of me (as I was a little frustrated by how hard it was), but I was proud to experience driving on the opposite side of the road and with a manual.  

Abel Tasman National Park

“Go speed Racer, go speed Racer!”  This often came from my mouth to our trusty driver Erik, but especially on this day.  Making our way through the twisty, curvy and steep roads of Abel Tasman National Park, both of our hearts were stuck in our throats as we drove.  Our destination—Harwood’s Hole—up an 11km unpaved/unsealed or as the locals say “metal” road.  Up the one lane road, with a major drop off, not meant for campervans, we went.  Did I mention our gas warning light went off not even half way there?  About to turn around, we finally made the trail we were looking for and we were glad we did.  The Hole, 176 meters down, was quite impressive.  We had to climb over boulders just to make it to the mouth and there weren’t any barriers to protect you from falling.  We also saw what we thought was a hobbit’s house, but neither one of us could be sure. 

Cool view when beginning our hike through the park

The two of us standing precariously close to the edge...someone's mom would not be happy

As close as I could get to the hole without putting myself in danger

Shelley squeezing through the narrow walls of rock

A little better picture since our flash died

One of the best parts of our experience in NZ has been the driving.  Right outside our door we pass vineyards filled with apples, pears, olives and grape vines and of course plenty of livestock including cows, deer and sheep. 

West Coast driving--sorry about lack of pics

Beautiful walk with beautiful girl.  This is what we experience everyday!!

Back on the trails again the next day, we explored the seals colonies at Cape Foulwind (most smells in New Zealand) in Westport.  We hiked along the coastline and through some farm land (Erik once again tried talking and calling out to the horses, but they ignored him—he’s trying not to take it personally).  We hiked a long way up to a lighthouse along the coast—less bugs thank goodness.  There were amazing views of the coastline and mountains.

When done, we hopped back into Snappy and headed to Motueka.  Yes, we found a white trash town in NZ.  It IS a worldwide phenomenon!  We stayed in the worst motor park so far, but at least they had an herb garden.  I checked but the brussel sprouts just weren’t quite ready.   Erik was beaming with happiness with his new surroundings.  Happy happy joy joy.

Punakaki--West Coast

Heading up the coast, we made it to Punakaki—home of the famous pancake rocks and blowholes (yes, blowholes).  The rocks were formed by the ocean and—yes, they look like stacked pancakes.  The blowholes are the areas carved out of the middle where the ocean rushes in and shoots up—yes, like a whale’s blowhole?!   People in these parts get excited about funny things.  We checked out a couple of small towns along the way and stopped up near a seal colony.  We stumbled upon a trail to the beach from the roadside.  Jumping onto the trail, we made our way through the forest to this amazing pebbled beach next by the mountains.  The sea and winds carved out giant rocks to form works of art adrift on the beach.  We explored, our feet felt it against the rocks and then the bugs struck…the sand flies!  Abort, abort, abort the beach!  Back to the campervan we fled—all bitten up and needing respite from the bites.

Our pre-dinner snack along the west coast...tomatoes, cheese and cheesy bread

Shelley getting to know one of the locals.  She's getting brave

A view on our hike through the pancake rocks

Another cool pic of the pancake rocks that no one is sure how they were formed

Taking it in after our climb

Relaxing by the blowholes

Videos Coming Soon!

Due to terrible and unreliable internet in New Zealand, we will add videos once we get to a place with better technology.

Thank you all for following our adventures, and you will definitely enjoy the videos.

Shelley and Erik

Greymouth--West Coast

Heading north we hit a gold mining town still in operation (Ross), then Hokitika which we were excited about due to the museums and arts/crafts.  Saw an old man walking his goat, telling it to smile for the visitors (interesting).  We were let down a tad as they didn’t seem to like campervan people and didn’t have much there.  Oh, well.  No hard feelings, thus no money left in that town—take that!!

Now on to Greymouth, the next major town along our journey.  We passed through Shanty Town (replica of a miner town) and then began looking for another site to camp.  We found a perfect spot about a football field away from the Tasman Sea—by ourselves.  It was like having a home on the ocean.  Nice to wake up to!

Our private seaside campsite.  Shelley hanging out with 'Snappy' (Shelley named him)

Pioneers laying claim to their campsite

We did some more exploring and some more hiking through trails and waterfalls.  Asked the locals why not many people live or swim in this area and were told “it’s paradise, not sure what you are asking?”  In two days and two nights near the Tasman Sea, not a single person was in the water.  We think it could be the sandflies, locally known as Mozzies.  Oh well, we enjoyed the sound of surf while setting up camp in this beautiful area.

Franz Josef Glacier

Woke up early and headed to the Franz Josef Glaciers!!  Another beautiful drive up and through the mountains.  We stopped at the information/hotel center for some nice toilets—you don’t appreciate clean, nice smelling bathroom until you are out camping for a few weeks!

A “rugged” hike to the glacier turned out pretty tame compared to Mt. Cook—it felt like we were walking on the surface of the moon with mountains on all sides.  Once by the glacier, there was a tall hill (glacier underneath), covered in rocks that obstructed the full view.  With a little coercion, I got Shelley (who doesn’t want me to get hurt for some reason!?) to climb it.  Once up, we saw the beautiful glacier in its entirety. 

Freedom camping near a river (NO FACILITIES) this night, so we decided to treat ourselves to glacier fed hot springs as muscle therapy, soak away the dirt therapy, and a proper shower before heading back to our camp.  Worked spectacularly—super clean, relaxing, and put us straight to sleep.

We did it!!  Top of the Glacier

Here is the view from the base.  Doesn't look so bad.

We were warned, but went anyway.  Rebels!