Day 22 - Abel Tasman Np (NZ #2)

Day 22: Abel Tasman NP (That makes two NZ NPs this trip)

Religions: Anglican 14.9%, Roman Catholic 12.4%, Presbyterian 10.9%, Methodist 2.9%, Pentecostal 1.7%, Baptist 1.3%, other Christian 9.4%, other 3.3%, unspecified 17.2%, none 26% (2001 census)

Interesting: the greatest religion practiced in NZ is none and the none’s are proud of it!

Pics: Around Abel Tasman NP: some from kayak, some from hike, including cormorants that sit in trees; Note: In ATNP they use both distance and time on their signs…nice, very original.

Hold the presses: we were actually cold last night for the first time on the trip. Lasted from about 3 or 4am to 7am, then a nice day pretty much humidity free. Fall is nigh…we can only hope…

A short visit to the NZPO to see if the pillow has arrived from Kate, even though the exchangers are forwarding their mail to Auckland; no luck.

Breakfast of fruit and weet-bixies and off we go to Abel Tasman NP for a full day. Kayaking for two hours, then picnic lunch on the beach (smoked pates of mussels, salmon and “fish” from the Smokehouse, toast, carrots, etc, $15), followed by an hour boat cruise where they let us off at a beach for an hour hike back to another beach, pick up by the boat and an hour back. Full package: $125/pp and a free bottle of water.

Scenery of blue turquoise-green (almost milky iceberg blue/green) water, golden beaches, rocks with white surf, and very pleasant weather. Oh, and several dips in the cool (not cold) water…heaven!!!

Well, not quite heaven, about the only thing that might improve the place is snorkeling. Then we would call it Hawaii…

We spy a take-out place on the fringes of Motueka: Coast Roast. They sell roasted meat by the kilo, with veggie sides. We order a medium chicken (sliced white meat) with roasted potatoes and caramelized small onions and a small roast pork with carrots and mashed potatoes, without gravy. All excellent, $20. And, the guy that runs the place (with his partner, we’re assuming gay), is from LA, has been here for 11 years.

Around the corner from the house exchange, fresh homegrown tomatoes, $2 for two pounds.

What a country!

And, bonus round: the pillow arrives via the neighbor, with yarn thrown in (Kate: above and beyond!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). So, with the Kiwi donation of a converter for the computer, we are whole again: SINGLECHECK!