DAY 1-2 We spent in Purau, New Zealand with Dan and Donna Tartaglia.
DAY 3 - Kaikoura is a picture perfect peninsula town backed by the snowcapped peaks of the Seaward Kaikoura Range. There are few places in the world with mountains so close to the sea. There are also whales, dolphins, penguins, albatross, sheep, seals, llamas and more. Joe and I walked the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway which is a 4 hour loop along the cliffs. We had salmon for breakfast and green lipped mussels for dinner.
DAYS 4 and 5 took us to Wither Hills winery noted for Sauvignon Blanc and onto Te Mahia where we caught the boat to Hopewell Lodge. Hopewell Lodge is truly special. It is a first class backpacker lodge...it is small, unique and in an inspiring, isolated location of Marlbourough Sounds. You can collect oysters or go with Mike to a nearby mussel farm to collect the famous NZ green shell variety that they later cooked for all of us. There are bikes, kayaks, rowboats, fishing tackle (Kenepuru Sound is known for snapper fishing). There are endless walking opportunities, a hot spa and hammocks! We had a great 2 days here.
Marlborough produces 3/4 of the country's wine. Sunny days and cool nights create the prefect climate for cool-climate grapes and sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, riesling, pinot gris.
Jeanne, take a good look at this little trailer!!!!!!
DAY 6 - Nelson
Nelson is hailed as one of New Zealand's most "livable" cities......we agree. We have been fortunate to meet Pat and David from Nelson who have helped us plan our New Zealand adventure. We stayed at Accents on the Park, a hostel, with the perfect location for exploring the Saturday morning Farmers Market. We bought pears, apples, plums and I bought a fun pair of merino gloves! We have truly enjoyed staying at hostels during our trip as we have met many wonderful people from all over the world.
DAY 7 - Beconstone Eco Lodge near Punakaiki...
Punakaiki is famous for its fantastic Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Through a layering slathering process The Dolomite Point limestone has formed into what looks like piles of thick pancakes. When the tide is right, the sea surges into caverns and booms throughout the blowholes.
Paporoa National Park has sea cliffs, mountains, diverse flora and a Westland petrel colony the world's only nesting site of this rare sea bird. Joe and I hiked the Porari River Track which followed a spectacular limestone gorge.
looks AMAZING!!!
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