New Zealand South Island
The rugged northern tip of the South Island of New Zealand on the way to the port of Nelson.
the ferry's sister boat heading back toward Wellington
Nelson, not much here except the port, but in a place where access to the ocean is 'everything', this is a well used place.
Gwyenth and Devin standing on the edge overlooking one of thousand of coves - perfect for camping.
Flora is totally amazing and beautiful - even the introduced stuff .....
'Lush' barely discribes the place
One of many
Southeast edge of park near Ranger station
Crossing the mountains to the northwestern side of the north island.
Cape Foulwind. Awesome place with great surfing in the coves and colorful little town with unique breweries....
Larger view of the cape area
Rocks with kelp and hang out for young seals
Farther down the western coast are 'pancake' rocks. National Park nearby at Punakaiki
Paparoa Nat'l Park
don't get caught here at high tide !!!!
plenty of time for a short walk
Tree ferns and palms
wire bridge going to gold mining area ( defunct ) and on our way to a hot spring....
rain makes the creek rise
Gwyneth's feeling the power
Mountain lake pass - the view from the spa at Mauria Hot Springs (almost heaven)
Heading north east through the fog in the mountains
Made it to the east coast above Christ Church to the town of Kaikoura
Lovely place for the seals to rest and relax
low tide at the point. Off shore of this area we were later to go 'swimming' with pods of up to 500 Dusky Dolphins: the great climax to our adventure on the islands. We were to drive to Christ Church where Gwyneth spent a month at School. We left her and Mitch to begin their 10 or 11(?) month odessey which will take them north through Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and where she will go through Laos and Vietnam eventually. What a trip!
We'll add another chapter or two using Gwyneth's and/or Devin's photos to this page. Check back for further adventures.
North Island Page