North part of the South Island, New Zealand

North part of the South Island, New Zealand
January 5-10, 2015
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The last chapter of our New Zealand road trip was to see the north of the island! We first headed to Takaka, where we were planning to climb and hike around Abel Tasman. We checked out the climbing area, but it was brutally sunny and 85 degF, so instead we went swimming in the river :-) The next day we did a hike along the middle part of the Abel Tasman park, which was cool but nothing spectacular. Afterwards we drove to Nelson, and then Picton, and down to Kaikoura. Sadly we didn't have enough time to hike around Nelson Lakes, that'll have to remain for another trip. On our day in Kaikoura we hiked around and went swimming with the seals, before driving back to Christchurch in the afternoon!

We had one day in Christchurch to relax before flying home, and we toured the city - the earthquake damage is substantial and quite impressive to see... it was a really hot day too, so we went to the Antarctic center, which was a blast!


	Driving north, we went over a pass which had this lookout...


			They know what the best feta cheese is around here! Both choices, too! :)


	Sweet campsite by Takaka	Swim, then dinner!	Hiking through Abel Tasman


			Found some shade in Abel Tasman


		This guy enjoyed our attention!


	Marlborough Sound


		World War I aviation museum in Omaka


		Another great free camping area by the beach, just north of Kaikoura


	A run by the peninsula in Kaikoura		Low tide reflections


			Rock ribs showing a fault line?


	Lots of seals lounging on the rocks...		Beautiful walk at low tide...


	Lots of devastation still in Christchurch...	A very graphic warning about train tracks and biking :)	Much of Christchurch is still flattened...


			Having fun at the Antarctic center in Christchurch :)


			Penguin feeding!

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