Nelson Town
Once I arrived in Nelson it was already late afternoon. I got picked up by my Couchsurfing host. A kind man, a bit older than me… who turned out to be the kind of “glass-half-empty guy”. At arrival he gave me a little tour by car through the centre, although it was challenging due to a 100 km run which was about to end. Anyway I got a good impression of the size of the town.
After dropping my luggage at his place I went back to wander around a bit and stretch my legs. I went to see the Finish of the run which was pretty impressive right at the bottom of the Cathedral, an Anglican church situated on Church Hill (Piki Mai).
The next morning my Host accompanied me on the short walk up to “the Centre of NZ View Point”. We started just from home and had a great overview from the top. We continued our way down to the Japanese Garden although we didn’t visit them.
In the afternoon he took me, his dad and partner for a scenic drive all the way to Cable Bay. The two of us had a quick dip here. After returning to Nelson I went off on my own one more time to explore the vibrant city centre.
The Abel Tasman National Park
As being so close to the Abel Tasman National Park, I really had to go there. Especially being Dutch I felt like I kind of had to honour my landsman who is famous for discovering New Zealand being the first European. Apparently it’s New Zealands most accessible National Park. Having a car would still have been handy…
I booked myself a semi-organised tour. Which meant that I was being picked up by a Shuttle bus who drove me all the way to Kaiteriteri. Our busdriver turned out to be a young engaged tourguide. I learned a lot from him along the way.
Once in Kaiteriteri I had to pay the rest of the trip, now boarding a Sea Shuttle boat. There were lots of “packages” to choose from. I decided on the Discovery Day trip 5 – Option B. Our busdriver hopped on the boat aswell and together with the Skipper they did a great job explaining and entertaining us along the trip all the way up to Totaranui.
We passed the split-apple rock, got close to Adele Island where I spotted two little penguins and a young sea rob and stopped at several beaches such as “Anchorage”, “Torrent Bay”, “Onetahuti”, “Awaroa” and finally Totaranui. On the way back I was dropped off at Torrent Bay and had 4 hrs. to do the hike back to Anchorage where they would pick me up again.
The path started along the stunning coastal side and give me great impressions of the waterfront and the crystal clear water now from land! After a while the trail guided me into the lush native bush. I just loved it! I even met up with a girl I had met before in Picton. She was now doing the 4-5 day Abel Tasman Track. Good on her!
I did a quick detour to see Cleopatra’sPool too. Unfortunately due to high tide I didn’t have much time to linger at this outstanding spot with a series of natural rockpools right in the Torrent river, where people were sliding down.
After 3,5 hrs and 11,5 km I got back to Anchorage. Just enough time for a dip in the refreshing water before boarding on the Sea Shuttle boat again! What a day-trip!
Sightseeing
On my last day I went for a lovely walk to “Miyazu” the Japanese Garden. It turned out to be under construction, but was still a calming place to wander around. I found a perfect spot at the pond to practise some Qi Gong and observe a mother duck with her fluffy ducklings. So peaceful.
Afterwards I passed through the “Founders Heritage Park“. A small open-air museum with historical buildings, a vintage fire station and a still operating heritage train. I didn’t stay long, as I wanted to go one more time to see Nelson’s Queen’s Gardens. A beautifully maintained Victorian garden with fountains, statues and tranquil pathways under the most magical sunlight shining through the immense trees. I just loved it!
As a “finishing touch” I met up again with Nicole from Germany. It was soooo good to see her again and exchange stories! We went for a swim in the river. This time no “hot-n-cold pool” with mud-rub for us…. but at least the River-feeling lived up!
We had a lovely curry next to the Cathedral before we had to say Goodbye. With the promise of one day meeting up again for a walking holiday together, we went different ways.
