Leaving Wellington on Wednesday the swell was 3-4 metres and quite rough for the first hour and a half but we were both OK. Coming into Picton was amazing. Very narrow channel through Queen Charlotte Sound. Collected hire car and drove in direction of Blenheim. We were determined to have a meal at a winery. Chose to stop at Hunters (one of the original vineyards back in the 80's) and had a fabulous meal with some great Sauvignon Blanc. Drove through some AWESOME scenery to our lodgings in Nelson.

Thursday saw us driving up to Marahau where we picked up a water taxi which took us to Bark Bay. We then walked back to Torrent Bay (7 miles) via a track in the Abel Tasman National Park. Absolutely fabulous place. It is getting better as we travel southwards. Heard from our friends Denise and Dave that it is very cold and has been snowing in the far south of the island- bring it on.

The coffee is excellent but one thing I have noticed is that the majority of cafes seem to use the same cups and saucers - they are brown with white insides , only found 2 places that don't use them. Will continue to monitor, watch this space.( Anne says its mine not her observation!!!!)