The first thing we did today, well last night actually, but it's relevant for today, was completely change our plans.

Before we left the UK, today had been set aside as the day where we would rent a car and drive from Nelson to Kaikoura to go on a Whale watching trip, but I think we underestimated exactly how long the drive was. I knew, as we made the journey from Christchurch to Nelson a couple of days ago that it would be a long day if we did what we planned, maybe too long, even for us.

As we made that trip, the section from Kaikoura to Nelson took about 3.5 hours, over mountains, with a driver who knew where he was going. We had a chat and decided that, realistically, we were looking at a journey that would, at best, take 4 hours each way, maybe even 5, and that this was pushing the limits of what we wanted to do. Being on the road at 5am was not something that either of us was looking forward to with any degree of relish, so research was done, and we found a tour company that offers a Whale Watch from Auckland, which we will do on our arrival there, giving us a free day in Nelson.

Before leaving the Arrow motel for the day, we settle our bill for the whole stay and have a chat with one of the owners, who can't believe that we are doing this trip without a car, but agrees that it is probably the best way to see the Islands. We get the bus into town and spend a real day at leisure, wandering round the shops, picking up nic nacs, and enjoying a fantastic lunch at a little cafe called Lambrettas.

Then it's back to the hotel early evening to get our bags ready for the morning, see what's going on in the world and get out for dinner, a pizza place a few minutes down the road, probably the most expensive meal we have had so far at $30 each but still cheap by UK standards.

Nelson really is a stunning place and the extra time here today has really given time to explore all that it has to offer. The beach, the hills, and the city itself provide for a unique experience. Wellington will have a lot to live up to.