The drive from Richmond to Kaiteriteri was breathtaking, we had seen our first glimpses of the Southern Alps and I can now see why people have said the South Island is more picturesque then the North Island.

Known for its pristine beaches and as a gateway to the wonders of the Abel Tasman National Park, Kaiteriteri has been attracting holiday makers to its turquoise waters since the 1920's. Located on Tasman Bay about an hour's travel from Nelson in the area colloquially called the South Island Riviera, Kaiteriteri has been many times voted as one of New Zealand's best beach regions and is the perfect stop-over point for sun seekers with a sense of adventure.

It was a shame that we were only stopping for one evening in Kaiteriteri as the lodge was located across the road from the beach and we had the perfect weather to explore the surrounding National Park. I took a short stroll and watched the sun set before I joined the others for a drink in the bar next to the hostel.

Before we caught the bus in the morning we took a stroll along the beach and enjoyed the morning sunshine. Our next stop on the Kiwi adventure, Westport.