So we'd mentioned the 'no frills Naked Bus', well the company exceeds this title. We discovered this on many 'trips' that were often complimented with commentary by drivers. On this occasion, the bus driver stopped and gave us time on route to Nelson from Greymouth for us to explore the mystical Punakaiki rocks (Pancake rocks).

In Nelson, K and S visited a market next door to the hostel, this boasted some lovely local produce of food and craftsmanship, from jade products to ceramics. We walked from Church Hill, around town to the dainty Miyazu Japanese gardens, stopping for some beverages at the river side cafe. A very Cambridge, punting feel to the day!

With an early pick up, Renee as our guide for the day from Kahu Kayak, we were set for a memorable trip to the Abel Tasmen National Park. This is the most visited National Park in NZ with 300,000 visitors a year. We had signed up for half a day of kayaking and half a day of walking. The day did not disappoint. Kayaking with Jeremy as our lead from Marahau to Ancourage Bay, we even saw a baby seal which played around our kayak, a very humbling experience. We've had a few of these moments in the last few months.

We caught up in the evening with the energy bomb Irish Helen, and wise young American Hope that we'd met on our days adventure. After strolling the streets for somewhere to munch, we ended up at the Sprig and Fern to taste and choose from the array of beers that they served. The home made ginger beer and lemonade. Refreshing and yum.

For our last whole day in Nelson, it was a very very very grey and extremely windy day which resulted in ferries and flights being cancelled. However, the energy bomb Helen was on her push bike, and an announcement over the loud speakers at the hostel 'Kiranjit and Sanjeev come to reception, you have a friend here' was a lively wake up call! We passed on the invite of a bike ride! But we all ended up back at the Sprig and Fern for a few drinks and a hearty hot chocolate. We even managed to agree to meet Helen for the Great North Run in September 2014, Newcastle! The bomb!