nelson north by northwest

day 4 of the south island expedition and a cracker day in nelson
first stop - saturday markets smack bang in the centre of the city
impressive too - local arts and crafts, fruit, vegetables, clothing, etc
surprisingly light in patrons but that's good for us - we wander easily
soaps in the shape of cakes a favourite as is a world music cd seller
the blue cheese and black garlic combination has limited appeal
one of our chinese visitors liking it but her stomach not so happy
a promotion for the universal climate change march is spotted
suggesting large crowds will be at tahunanui beach - not here
should be there - a fleeting guilt trip before we then drive out
down highway 6, hang a right pass rabbit island and to mapua
the impression of a town wanting to become a tourist destination
a new retail precinct under construction behind the historical wharf
that hosting a cafe offering a coffee/snack (taken) and views to the island
a ferry trip contemplated but a want to push further north (west) stymies that
there's a focus on art/decor here and a rewarding visit to a metal sculpture shop
forest fusion - walking through the front doors and an instant - oh yes - feeling
a spartan display of works but very impressive they are - nature as metalwork
most striking is a revolving set of metallic petals on a tall stem - wind-blown
$1650 - if i was a rich man - thanks theodore bickell (rip) - but - moving on
that has made the day already so piling back into the vehicle quite content
next stop - the wee organic shop - nice idea but pretty underwhelming
a small bag of goji berries procurred and off we go - cruising is good
the ruby coast certainly worth more-time some-time - we push on
a stop at the award-winning jester's cafe to feed the eels is next
agreement had - overfed eels - but good to see them close-up
motueka comes and goes and soon enough kaiteriteri is ours
this time - little kaiteriteri - lunch and then on to the beach
bewdiful and fully inviting so the first swim of summer it is
lots of photos taken and the time taken to soak up the moment
feeling confident on this glorious day so we agree to keep at it
it's a long haul up over the hill to golden bay and on to takaka
nearly there - a few more kilometres and we are at our destination
te wakkoropupu springs - one of the wonders of the natural world
the purest water delivered up from below ground to form a river
indescribably moving - aman iman comes to mind - water is life
it needs to be fully appreciated - and it is - worth the round trip
return back up and over the hill and a non-stop journey to home
dinner shanghai style server up again before an evening walk
we stumble across the boat shed cafe and take up a table
tirimasu and coffee please - nice too - we'll be back
wander home and an early night - a glorious day...

hanmer - kaikoura - nelson

hanmer springs has turned on a stunner of a day
after breakfast the gang head off downhill to the pools
no big plans for today - an opportunity for settling in
a long drive scheduled for tomorrow so let's take it easy
also a business needs to keep running so it is given attention
another fine meal laid out for late lunch and taken communally
a want to explore the hinterland leads us on a drive of discovery
following jollie's pass road up into (de) forestry roads and lands
the view admired but some feeling a bit uncomfortable in the solitude
so reverse steps and back to a prior spotted picnic area on the outskirts
pleasant 'nuff and suiting the gentle start to what should be a great trip
back at home base the re-acquainting continues with long discussions
sneak away and walk up hill to inspect the above average holiday homes
views across town to a stunning sunset making the walk very enjoyable
settle in for the night and up at it to load up the trailer and head east
a bit of back-tracking then on to a new route heading to kaikoura
easy as really - quiet and good roads, good vehicle, good company
the talking continues allowing guilt-free CD listening for the driver
driving around the coastline south of kaikoura is always a pleasure
crashing waves, deep-green sea and roads winding through tunnels
me - feeling quite proud of this first sight of the sea for our travellers
more treats in store at the seal colony - they are right there for viewing
we hit the local supermarket for lunch supplies and continue northwards
a picnic table commandeered from a paua diver and our lunch is served
smoked chicken, bread rolls, ginger beer - well enjoyed by all it seems
next stop - the store - kekerengu - a favourite and traditional stopover
looking good too - a makeover had with it seems less clutter and choice
we sit outside and enjoy our coffees all round before again pushing on
blenheim comes and goes as the threatened weather change is looming
the plan to head to picton and along queen charlotte drive is scuppered
grab some bags of cherries, point the vehicle west and head to nelson
havelock is first trawled for mussel sellers - nope - too late in the day
so push on we do - state highway 6 is a fun drive over and around hills
car sickness makes a visit as does passenger nervousness - arrival needed
soon enough we are cruising into nelson and directly to our book-a-bach
a restored historical cottage on haven road complete with a steep path up
all hands to the pump to lug all the required gear from trailer to the house
energy levels remain up as the communal meal is then prepared and taken
we've had 5 hours in the saddle and a few more at stopovers - satisfied
the weather forecast promising 3 days of sunshine around nelson
good - lots to see and do - our second digs will serve us well

south island sinokiwi pexidition

day 1 - arrival of our shanghai travelling companions
the previous day loading and driving our rental vehicle
a toyota-land cruiser-prado towing a covered trailer
contents - suitcases, bedding, food, kitchen equipment
an arrival into ashburton at sundown after an easy drive
some excitement chatting with the folks over a dark ale
next day heading out of town and - did you get the esky?
no and no - still on the kitchen floor - oh well - too bad
worried about flight arrival times so we push down and on
too much with some flashing lights tailing us at dunsandel
been wondering about the speed limit when towing a trailer
90kph i am informed - the radar has detected 113kph - ouch
that's $170 worth of lesson and a further issue is presented
the trailer is 2 years out of rego - ha-ha - just kidding
a newer sticker is found but not before cursing the rentees
pushing on more sedately to the airport and a longish wait
seems our 2 ladies - vun-ling and yin-lay have got caught up
but eventually emerging and excitement levels are very high
it's been 40 years since the 3 ladies were last together
the power of the internet re-establishing old friendships
we stack bags in the trailer, abandon it and are city-bound
cruise into a popular hagley park and a wandering we then go
the chatter continues unabated as kiwi takes the role of tour guide
following the avon river to the boatsheds as we previously planned
iced coffees all round on this beautiful spring day in christchurch
a plan to then wander into the devastation of the 2011 earthquake
this presenting an opportunity - a phonecall made - a plan hatched
while the ladies walk a drive back to dunsandel for a rendezvous
the esky is delivered and most importantly it's contents - food
return to city central and a pickup of the ladies and to the airport
a shorter wait this time for shor-tee and chew-my - all now present
the trailer now loaded to the max and likewise 6 people in the vehicle
all good - the power of the diesel engine making light work of it all
heading north on a congested road but soon easing up and cruise speed
our destination of hanmer springs reached easily and without incident
the gps leading us straight to our book-a-bach digs - alpine retreat
a spacious split-levelled wood-panelled home is ours for two nights
the decor a bit dated but it is clean, well-appointed and welcoming
beds and rooms allocated and dinner is conjured from the trailer
with 3 cooks on the case the kiwi food is given sino treatment
yum-mo - devoured while the chat continues - we are all happy
the rice wine also hits the mark as happy campers hit the sack
months of preparation now turning to reality - so far - so good