So we are on our way. We've crossed over to the South Island. The crossing was very calm and the scenary was great- Michael has taken loads of pictures of the Sounds. After landing in Picton we imediately headed off along Queen Charlotte Drive to enjoy some more stunning views of Malborough Sounds. The plan was to go along the coast as fatr as we could and then start working our way back to Nelson. So we did. We went through Nelson and along Tasman Bay then crossed between Abel Tasman National Park and Kahurangi National park into Golden Bay. We kept going along the coast of Golden bay stopping for a paddle before finally coming to a stop in Collingwood. the next day we kept heading along the coast till we could go no further so went for a walk at Farewell Spit.

It was then back along the coast to Kaiteriteri and a campsite right on the beach. We spent a day looking room the Nelson area going to galleries etc. The next day we planned to sea kayak in the Abel Tasman Park but the weather had other ideas. It rained- steadily and heavily- So we decided to pospone kayaking and head for the West Coast.

We took a lovely winding road through the hills from Motueka before hitting highway 6. We then decided to detour and see one of the Nelson Lakes- Rotoroa. It was still raining quite heavily at this piont. We then decided to take a further detour to Murchison along the Braeburn track- signposted narrow & winding, unsuitable for caravans or small vehicles- oh and with four streams to ford. Still to van did us proud and we carried on down the spectacular Buller gorge. We stopped off to see the pancake rocks before stopping in Hokitika. Tomorrow we head for the glaciers.