Our last few days after our DREADFUL ferry journey, have been a little more uplifting and relaxing. Nothing very exciting to report apart from the gem of a location we managed to find ourselves sleeping for a few nights.
Our first two days after the ferry journey were spent at a small fishing town called Nelson, just southwest of Picton where we despersed from the ferry. Our main goal was to reach New Zealands smallest National Park, but certainly not lacking in beauty, Abel Tasman. Known for its iscolated and completely deserted golden sandy beaches, it’s named after the dutch explorer who first set foot on the shores, mapping out the south island for the first time in the 1600′s. And because many of the areas of the national park can still only be accessed by foot or a small boat, it remains a scenic reserve for rare birds and fish.
Nelson then, was only a stepping stone before Abel Tasman but when we arrived it caught us as a nice little town, plus there was a nice sandy beach with plenty of shops so we decided to stop before and chill for a few nights. We spent some time on the beach, played/watched some football and walked to the top of the monument that over looked the main street with views of most of the town.
We then set off for Abel Tasman which was about a 3 hour drive down the highway 60. It was slightly annoying that we’ve basically got to come back on ourselves on the return journey, as quite a few roads in the SI only go one way. It was when we reached the National park we had to drive down our first unsealed road which ran for about 7 miles. We had to drive it very slowly, but it was so worth it when we reached the end as it oppened up to the most stunning beaches we have both ever come across. The sand really is a deep golden colour, with a lush green background to compliment. Being so remote, it’s also very quiet unlike some of the other beaches we’d been on.
However, the biggest problem was, if only we’d have packed some decent insect repelent. The area was absolutely full of sandflies. You don’t notice them right up until the point where you finally lay down on the sand, get to the point of total relaxation and then you start to feel something nipping you on the leg. They are bearable for the short time that we spent there, but you can see why nobody wants to live out there. It didn’t ruin the scenery but it was a slight distraction when you were trying to relax, so we’re not really sure how we feel about the place. Check out the picture below and you can decide for yourself….X
