New Zealand South Island

Ferry ride to Picton.
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With the South Island being vastly bigger than the North Island, and much of the country not easily accessible via paved roads, we chose to visit just a few places here.

We broke up our long drives over the country by going on hikes and walks that we were passing by.  New Zealanders ar great environmentalists.  National Parks and conservation areas with trails for walks are abundant and offer captivating views.  In addition, they have a booming organic food market and are strong supporters of 'building green', in fact over half of their power comes from hydroelectricity.  "If we are wrong (about Global Warming) then we will end up with a cleaner planet, if not the alternative is unthinkable", (Tony Blair) was a sentiment reflected throughout New Zealand.

Sea kayaking @ Abel Tasman National Park.
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Our first stop was Abel Tasman Park on the North Coast.  We explored the inlets and islands of the bay via kayak, keeping lookout for the seals that frequent the shores - alas no sightings for us!

Out of Abel Tasman, we stopped in Christchurch to meet up with some family.  Our thanks to the Tuff's for their fabulous homecooked meals, and for the rugby and cricket terminology; "now they are in a scrum", "he is in silly position currently", which will come in handy for future games.

The "bunk room" at our hostel in Abel Tasman (we didnt have to sleep here!)
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After Christchurch we drove down to Wanaka located on Lake Wanaka near Mount Aspiring National Park, and Mount Cook the New Zealand training ground for Everest.  Along the way we stopped at Lake Tekapo, and hiked to a lookout point to take in the southern alps and interesting lake below.  Lake Tekapo was originally a glacial valley, and its intense color comes from glacial sediment termed "rock flour".

Once in Wanaka, we stayed at the lake with family friends Ken and Frances.  Expecting nothing more than a place to rest our heads we were thrilled with our energetic hosts.  We were treated to a boat tour of the lake, and a picnic lunch on the beach, which included fresh fish caught by Ken just the previous day!  Ken dropped us off on an island in Lake Wanaka that had a hiking trail on it.  When we got to the top, there was a lake with an island on it.  So we got to see an island in a lake on an island in a lake, if you can follow that!

Dusk over Lake Wanaka.
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We also attempted to hike the Rob Roy Glacier, but our car was "the little car that couldn't" drive the unpaved roads so we hiked Diamond Lake instead.  We spent a few nights at the Trout enjoying drinks and sailboats tipping and righting in the harbor.  I'm not sure in the end whether it was our hosts or the area that won us over, but Wanaka has our vote for most beautiful place in the South Island.

Unfortunately, we had only a week and, with so much left to see, we had to return to Christchurch for our flight onward to Thailand.  Next trip we think we'll have to start at Wanaka and go south to Milford Sound, Fiordland, Caitlins, Dunedin, and maybe rent a better car.  Thanks to everyone for letting us stay with you - we enjoyed our time and we'll be back!