The KiwiCampaign

On our last chance to maximize our experience in New Zealand, we went for an all-out scenic assault of the South Island to fill all the remaining gaps. Each year, new Zealand enters a 2-3 week life-support stage as the entire nation packs up their beloved campervans and heads to the beaches. And by “entire nation”, I mean “entire nation.” A sign of a country that truly values a healthy work-life balance.  The poseur-kiwis that we are, we had no caravan to pack, but the trusty Impreza was a more suitable piece of machinery anyway to take us to beaches, glaciers and rainforests. Pictures and details after the jump.

Kayaking at Abel Tasman

A kiwi classic. We hiked the length of this tropical wonderland last year, and could not wait to return in a massive fibreglass sea kayak. Packing in ridiculous amounts of food and wine, we set out from Bark Bay, to play around Tonga Island and the surrounding coves. On day two, we had to sit tight at Anchorage as the rough sea made the Wild Mile further south impassable. Fresh mussels (the snorkeling gear came in handy) were delicious. Day three brought perfect weather, and we maximized our time in the little coves past teh wild mile, dining on more fresh mussels with a great couple from Diamond Harbour that donated bread and garlic butter to the feast.

It was December 25th as we returned to Marahau, and as we had never made it across Takaka Hill to Takaka and Collingwood, we decided to use the remainder of that day to explore this very remote corner of the South Island. A true kiwi gem unfolded: Descending into Takaka, we realized the dire need for gas, before we would return back over the hill to Motueka, where our hostel was booked. Alas, that was not an option. All gas stations on that side of the hill were closed, no card readers available, leaving us no other option than to look for accommodation in Takaka. This turned out to be a great turn of events, as we stumbled upon the Espresso Pirate Ship (a former boat of Jaques Custeau) which could not have been a better breakfast spot. Happily filled up with caffeine, we left this tropical paradise to cross over to the wild west coast, where the Old Slaughterhouse would await us.

The Old Slaughterhouse