It’s been amazing so far to meet my friends and spend some holidays from the trail! I decided that I will also take a break from writing long blog posts, rather sharing pictures from the beauty we discovered 

Day 76. Nelson. 

Peggy is celebrating her 40th birthday and we accompanied her to her birthday present, a sky dive from 13,000 feet. In the afternoon it’s relaxing and then off for a great dinner and pub night. 

Day 77. Nelson – Split Apple Rock – Collingwood. 

For the next few days we hired a car. Just a little problem, the car broke down last night and there are no other cars available. We have to hire a new one in the end with another provider, it’s more expensive and we are not even reimbursed the difference. (We will file a complaint for sure with APEX and everyone,  don’t rent your car with them!). But then we are off for a nice road trip. First stop, Split Apple Rock in Abel Tasman. Amazing nature, you wonder how the rock ended up there and split!

A few more viewpoints – the scenery is amazing, steep mountains, valleys, ocean – and we end in Collingwood and our home for 4 nights, the Somerset House. Dinner is a treat, salad, eggs with mushrooms and fried potatoes. 

Day 78. Day trip to Farewell Spit. 

Peggy and I get up at 5.15am to see the sunrise at the beach. Just BEAUTIFUL! Then back to bed. 

We have a lovely breakfast outside in the sun before driving up to Farewell Spit for a long walk along the beach, first in Golden Bay then over the dunes to the outer beach (Tasman Bay) and back to the carpark. 

We drive then to Pillar Point. Wow, this place is stunning!

Hundreds of pictures later we drive on gravel road further to Wharariki beach. Another 1km by foot with plenty of other tourists we arrive at the beach. At first not that impressed, I discover this amazing beach, the rocks, seals, seal pups, caves,…  

We end with ice-cream at the cute cafe before driving back to the hostel. Although this is my off-trail time we walked 16km today! This perfect day has of course another good dinner (pumpkin -brokkoli -curry with lentils and rice). I will for sure be recharged when I will be back on the trail, ready to burn all of these calories when all there is to eat is dehydrated food for 3 weeks! 

—————————————

I hope all of you enjoy the last day of 2016 and celebrate New Years Eve with your loved ones. The last months have been amazing and I look forward to continuing my trail and enjoy more fantastic moments. 

I wish everyone the most wonderful new year with lots of awesome hiking adventures!!!