After staying the night at Upper Hut the Townace rolls into Wellington on a clear and sunny day. We go up on the cable car to the Botanical gardens and wander around taking in some great views of the city and bays. Go to check out the Westpac stadium, hosting Lions game in June. We drive the Town ace right up to the stadium door and I sneak in for a picture of the pitch. Also head to Mt Victoria lookout and take in the views of the city lights that are awesome. After booking on to ferry to the south island fort he next day we try some Southern beer - Monteiths, nice kind of ale. We spend a night in luxury and camp in the ferry port. On the ferry next morning at 10am. Hide Nicky under the bed in the van to cut costs. She ends up having to stay there for about 45min, when she gets out she is covered in biscuit crumbs and her hair is everywhere. Turns out she had snuck a packet of choc chip cookies in with her! We meet James and Vicky who are picking up a camper in Christchurch and are travelling around the South Island for 2 weeks. Great views from ferry as we come into Picton through mountains. Arrive in Picton and James and Vicky go off to catch a 5 hour train to Christchurch (which broke down) and we head to Nelson. We camp up then head up to Abel Tasman NP Drive up to Morcha as far as the road goes and camp up. Nicky discovers her jeans have eroded by some mysterious something. Check out wood carvings which are impressive. There is a great sunset so I had to get the stove out and get a brew on. Ive got a new coffee espresso stove machine and Nicky says I have to use it every day. Its good though everyone says it smells great!! AT National Park has some of the most popular walks passing through bush, beaches and blue-green lagoons and bays. There is a 5 day walk but luckily Nicky has a problem with her knee so we get a water taxi which is well fast to Bark bay and walk back to Ttarnet Bay in a day where we are picked up again. Back to shore we push on south and camp up at Howards Junction picnic area. We are camping at picnic and DOC camp grounds cause its free but theirs usually other campers around but no toilet though!! Nicky makes and cracking cheese sauce and veg which warms the cockles.