After a lovely chat with the family I am staying with, and a stroke of their sea fairing, long haired Persian cat, Bella, I had a look round Nelson which is kind of like a glamorous version of Canvey Island. Lots of bungalows and charity shops and even an oil refinery. The lush greenery and beautiful lakes here set it apart though. My aching credit card can at last breathe a sigh of relief as its much cheaper here than in oz (some retail therapy in Auckland methinks). Abel Tasmin National Park had the kind of scenery and beaches you think only exist in picture books, coupled with a forest walk and two boat trips, pretty much the perfect day. And it's true people in New Zealand leave their doors unlocked! The reason I discovered this was when the family I am staying with were called away on a family emergency so I was able to just let myself in. Remarkable.