Before we met our new bus in Picton we made a stop off at a seal colony just outside Kaikoura. We took a look down on the beach where plenty of them were chilling out enjoying the morning sun on the rocks – these fella’s must have some blubber because it felt about -5 again!! We left the beach and took a short walk up through the Ohau stream – through a forest to a small waterfall and rock pool and couldn’t believe the number of seals up there!! There were tonnes of them all splashing about in this pool all about 10 feet away! One seemed to take to Craig as he climbed up the rocks right up to Craig and just sat there looking at him for ages! – We’ll put up the snaps to show you what we mean!

We met the new bus in Picton which seemed to have a few new people joining apart from us which was good! Our new driver “Mambo” seemed like a cool guy and once settled into the bus we realized that this was what our tour was supposed to be like! It was like night and day between the 2 buses! Everyone was friendly, chatty and “Mambo” was full of craic and information for us – happy days!! Most of the bus was Irish too which was cool! Along the way Mambo would tell us loads of information about New Zealand and the specific area we were in, as well as Maori stories and legends!

First stop on the new bus was a winery (think we’re going to like this alright) and sampled a few of their offerings but nothing bought this time! We called into a supermarket briefly to stock up for the next couple of night’s food and drink (thankfully beer is a good bit cheaper here than Australia) and then it was off to the Abel Tasman national park where we were staying for the next 2 nights in no other than Old MacDonald’s Farm (I’m not joking)! When we arrived we were a bit surprised with the accommodation! Our cabin was not exactly what we would consider a cabin to be! It was more like a small garden shed covered in white PVC with a bunk bed and single bed crammed in along with an electric heater. Outdoor showers and toilets weren’t much craic either in winter in NZ but it would have to do……we are backpacking after all! We all cooked together that night to get to know everyone better which was great and after a couple of servings of chicken and vegetable curry we gathered in the common room exchanging stories, recommendations for NZ and just having a laugh – a good night’s craic!

The next morning was stunning – dead flat calm and pure blue sky (bit chilly all the same) which was ideal for the sailing trip we had booked! Unfortunately there were not enough other people who wanted to do the same trip – only a couple of others so it was called off! We decided to join a few of the others from our group and go on a hike along the Abel Taman Coast Track from Marahau to Anchorage – a hike of 11.8 km – no bother for 2 athletes like us!! The views and scenery along the track were amazing but we were glad to get to the end at Anchorage where we were going to jump on one of the water taxis and zip back round to Marahau and see the place from a different angle! Didn’t quite work out this way!! The water taxi’s had to be pre booked and the next one wouldn’t be for a couple of hours at least – we should have done our homework!! We had no option to walk the 11.8 km’s back to the Farm – it was tough but we made it…..just!!

Had an outdoor shower, a pot noodle and a cup of tea when we got back – it was the best meal ever!! Spent a bit of time in the common room having a laugh and telling jokes before bed! We were glad to be leaving Old MacDonald’s farm in the morning but Abel Tasman itself was stunning! Hopefully this is what the rest of our Stray Adventure would be like!!

Craig and Laura = )