Since we've not had a good look around the top of the South Island, we decided to go there with Rui's parents after our wedding. We showed them around Wellington for a few days and then took our car across the ferry and headed to St Arnaud. It was wet and cold at the beginning, fine for two days and the weather deteriorated again towards the end. Despite the miserable weather, the folks still completed a number of short walks. Here are the places we visited, stopped by and even revisited on our 8 days roadie around the Nelson & Tasman region.

1) Lake Rotoiti
There are many well known jetty shots in New Zealand and this is one of them. Alas there was neither sun nor snow on the mountains. We were surprised to find eels in the lake though!



We were loitering around the lake when this fella swam up to shore and decided to hang out with us. It's not afraid of humans and came really close to our car.


Picked up a decent walking stick along the easy 15 mins Bellbird Walk


Drove up to Mt Robert carpark for a look


After checking in to Travers-Sabine Lodge at the reception, we lost our way and couldn't find the cottage we were told to go to. Mistakenly drove down a walking track and the car couldn't reverse back up the slippery slope! Had to run back to reception and asked for help. The owner used a rope to hook onto our tow bar and pulled our car back up the slope using his ute. Thank goodness the car emerged unscathed or we might have trouble continuing the rest of the trip.


Safe and sound in Mt Ella Cottage. It comes with a fully equipped kitchen so we were able to cook our meals without having to battle with others in an otherwise communal kitchen.

2) Wakefield
On the way to Takaka, we passed by Wakefield and I took the opportunity to check out a site that my colleague was managing. Not the one below though.



3) Riwaka Resurgence
10 mins walk through lush native bush leads to this gushing pool of water, which runs through a cave system deep in the Takaka Hill and re-emerges through marble rocks. The steps to the river edge was slippery. The resurgence is of cultural significance to Maori and the sacred water is said to be used for healing purposes. 




4) Hawkes Lookout
While driving over Takaka Hill (it was more windy than Rimutaka!), we stopped by Hawkes Lookout. There are spectacular views of Tasman Bay and Mt Richmond from the viewing platform. I was surprised to find a little Shilin after walking through the bush for 5 mins to an open area of karst and rock formations.






5) Riwaka Shoe Fence
If you can't bear to throw away your old shoes, hang them on this fence. It has grown into such an icon visitors stop by for a photo or two.





6) Pupu Springs
An easy 45 mins loop around some of the clearest water ever measured. It was quite therapeutic watching the blue spring water bubbling to the surface. This is another culturally significant site to the local Maori.




Rainbow Springs



7) Labyrinth Rocks Park
This is quite a quirky place to explore and get lost in the maze. Weaving through narrow gaps between big boulders, we discovered figurines of dolls and clowns propped against rocks and tree branches. A bizarre and creepy walk.





We found ourselves out on the road after exiting the maze.

8) Pohara Beach


9) Puponga Farm Park
Puponga is a working farm with cattle roaming around freely. From the carpark, a short climb over open farmland leads to decent views.





10) Farewell Spit
I've always wondered what's on that thin, long narrow strip of land jutting out at the northern end of Golden Bay. Access to this bird sanctuary is very limited in order to protect the wildlife. Where public access is permitted, all we could see is just sand and wetland stretching for miles.




11) Cape Farewell
It was such an arduous drive along the unsealed Wharariki Road (had to go slow to minimize any damage to my beloved car so it took very long) to Cape Farewell and seeing it's an even longer one to the famous Wharariki Beach, we gave up on the latter. I must say the rugged landscape at Cape Farewell was well worth the journey. Impressive.






12) Wainui Falls
This was the longest walk the folks did, about 1-1.5 hours return. The views along the way and the falls at the end makes this track worth the time and effort.



At the end of the track we were surprised to find out that Wainui Falls is part of Abel Tasman National Park.


This was the Airbnb we stayed at in Takaka, along Commercial St. The house is sunny, warm and quiet despite situated along the main road.

13) Motueka
We stayed for a short while in Motueka back in 2013. We passed by the town twice and decided to revisit a few spots.


The Sunday Market operates near the i-site. This was where we hanged out with our grape picking friends after we had met for lunch.


I never thought we would visit Chokdee again. Third time lucky for them!


On the way back to Nelson from Takaka, we passed by Motueka again and decided to drop by the apple packhouse we worked at three years ago since the weather was rubbish and there was nothing else we could do. Alas the Inwoods were not around.


This was where we had our smoko breaks.

14) Stoke
I couldn't find any suitable accommodation in Nelson and ended up staying in Stoke. The 3 bedroom house can accommodate up to 6 guests. Very clean, tidy and warm.


It was very kind of the host to provide breakfast. The weather had turned into custard again, luckily the TV and wifi in the house kept us entertained and we felt at home. Overall a very pleasant and comfortable stay.


I slept in while the rest visited Isel Park in the morning.


Isel House where the Marsdens (early settlers of Nelson) lived


Time to head back to Wellington


Last photo outside our house before heading to the airport.


Smaug has been part of our goodbyes with families.