Abel Tasman National Park has 56 miles of coastline with clear, turquoise sea, more than 50 sandy beaches, and a very popular hiking trail. The park has no roads so visitors access the trails by taking water taxis, kayaks, or hiking in from either end. We hiked part of the track three years ago, but this time we chose a combination sailing trip with two sea shuttles and a little beach walking. We were picked up by a bus at our Motueka campground which transport...

It was a beautiful morning so we decided to take a walk in the woods. Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve is one of the last remnants of lowland alluvial forest in Marlborough. Early settlers decided to save this island of native forest alongside the Pelorus River, instead of cutting the trees for their buildings and fuel. We hiked through majestic kahikatea trees, massive old Totara trees, beech podocarp and large tree ferns. This is also the site of a bat preserva...

The road north seemed to be the “long and winding road” without much change in scenery. We passed through some small villages. In the town where we stopped for a picnic lunch, we saw an unusual sign so I took Bob’s picture next to it. When we stopped at another town to have coffee, I tried to purchase some Benadryl at the local grocery for Bob’s many sandfly bites, but I was told it was illegal for them to sell it. I guess it requires a pr...