Another early start this time to go kayaking down the coast in a combination of twin and singles. We paddled around the seaward side of the Tata islands and through a stone arch to the beach opposite the mussel beds. We passed several sells on the way. Rhiannon proved to be a first rate scout spotting all of them. being relatively quiet in the kayaks we were able to get much closer than we had in the power boat the previous day. Once back on Tata beach we took full advantage of the sun to swim and lounge for the rest of the morning.
Once back we set to transferring our things to the camper van for a weeks travel round the South Island a happy 2 hours of territorial disputes. Then the boys went off in Maia's hire car for a quick exploration of the western side behind Golden Bay. The western side facing Australia across the Tasman Strait and Antarctica further south is far wilder. And so it proved. they were blown to pieces on Wharariki beach where the wind constantly sculpts the sand (and helpfully sculpted their hair sans gel) for the night ahead. After a drive through the Wanganui marine reserve their time had gone and they turned back to the Mussel Inn to wait for the girls. the Mussel Inn legendary hotspot for good food, live bands and a microbrewery onsite as well - what better place to see in the new year? And so it proved - a never to be forgotten new year with Maia and Rhiannon - a full 13 hours ahead of the UK.
We seem to be in delightful contact with half our family in the southern hemisphere - and all manner of interesting activities - green with envy on all counts!! Gluyn and cara's travel blog climbing Andes volcanos takes a lot of beating but yours is great also.
Posted by: Mike griffiths | 01/04/2011 at 03:25 PM