The afternoon that we arrived in Manahau in Abel Tasman we did a walk to Coquille Bay. The National Park was really beautiful but because it was quite late in the afternoon, we couldn't walk very far. However, by the time we reached the bay, we were both pretty tired anyway as our legs were killing from the horse riding! We decided to take a short cut back to the van which seemed like a fairly easy walk along the beach instead of back along the walking track, through the bush. We failed to see how much water was on the beach and ended up having to walk through near enough lakes to get back to the town. By the time we got back we were drenched!

The next day was a pretty wet one as well as we hired some sea kayaks to explore a bit more of the NP. We had to have a double kayak as the company don't allow you singles unless there are more than two people. This was fine by me-makes it a lot easier! And, these kayaks had a little foot peddle so that you could steer! Technology! We were heading for a place called watering cove about a quarter of the way up the shore line but we didn't quite make it that far! Instead we paddled out to one of the islands. We were really glad we did this because it was really pretty and we even saw a few seals! The kayaking was hard, especially against the waves as we were out on the sea but the weather was gorgeous as was the NP. By the time we headed back to the town, i was cold and wet and ready to finish but it was still all good fun!

After having showers back at the campsite, we drove towards Picton. The time had come to say good-bye to the South Island! We were booked on the ferry to cross the Straight that night. Can't remember much of the ferry crossing, i was asleep for most of it! Before we knew it we were in Wellington and back on the North Island. Before we drove any where else though, we had to get some more sleep!