Back in the car early in the mornign to drive from Westport to Moetuka, which is the gateway for the eastern side of the Abel Tasman National Park.

Only got a day here whihch is a shame, as the countryside is stunning with tropical plants and absolutely golden desesrted beaches. You can walk the park in 3/4 days and stopping in designated campsite areas within the park. It was a shame I didnt have longer here.

Still, I tried to do as much as I could as the weather was fantastic and set out for a hike.....after 4 hours i thought I should stop as the onyl way back was the same way I went....so started at midday and got back to the car at 8pm....covered 30Kms I guess.

The path just follows the coast at a raised level and the sounds of the birds int he undergrowth and also seeing so many birds on the beaches.....sometime you could go for 45 mins without seeing anyone or hearing anything other than just nature......fantastic....

Got back into Motueka around 9pm to check into my hotel and then a quick shower and out to get soemthing to eat as was starving from allt he walking. A small town but it had a Indian Restaurant!!!! As I had not had an indian since I went out in Jersey with Andrew and Dandy in early October I went for it. the whole works with an extra hot Jalfrazi..... It was simply fantastic and hot too!!

Then to a local pub where they had a really good live band on (nearly all kiwis seems to be musical!) and sank a few ales to cool my throat and stomach after the curry...... Tommorrow its off to Kaikoura to watch whales and swim with Dolphins....