We were actually prepared for the fact that the internet on the South Island is expected to be slower and we won't be able to upload quite as many photos. But we found a really good internet spot that was so fast that we can immediately bombard you with the next photos! Such luxury.So, off to the South Island! The ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton lasted only 3 hours. As I said, we already had high expectations of the South Island with its Southern Alps, glaciers, fjords, but also Caribbean white beaches and clear water from other people's stories (and of course the movie 'Lord of the Rings'). Our first impression when entering this fjord scenery near Picton didn't disappoint us despite the rainy weather: Beautiful fjords! Arrival in Picton at 6 o'clock in the morning. We visited the small town of Picton and got some breakfast before we took a nap for a few hours. (Cute hostel in Picton) The weather cleared up on the 2nd day, and we were able to admire the beautiful place near Picton where we had spent the night: For Anette, who grew up in the mountainous Harz region, this mixture of forested mountains, clouds, and water is a real delight. The journey continued west along the North Coast on this day, which was gray again, but no less beautiful: And then we were already in: +++++++++++ Nelson +++++++++++ The South Island is much less densely populated than the North Island of New Zealand. Therefore, Nelson with its 65,000 inhabitants can already be considered one of the larger cities on the South Island. (Only three cities are larger than Nelson, and those are Christchurch with 390,000 inhabitants, Dunedin with 120,000, and Invercargill all the way in the south with 50,000 people.) We were in Nelson on December 24th, and the church held a Christmas tree competition, in which we could also choose our three favorites using a suggestion box. The trees were set up by individuals, institutions, or associations of the city. Nelson is also home to the 'geographical center' of New Zealand! Strangely enough, this center is located on top of a hill from which Nelson can be seen well. Coincidence? ++++++++ Christmas in the Countryside +++++++ Nearby was a beautifully secluded campsite where some travelers had settled down for Christmas... ...and suddenly we weren't alone anymore for Christmas :) Hannes is practicing... well, what should we call it? Juggling one stick with two sticks. Those were homemade devices, wrapped in bicycle tubes for the necessary grip :) Happy Christmas! +++ Riwaka Resurgence +++ Near this campsite was a freshwater spring called Riwaka Resurgence in a quaint forest, which we visited the next day: The access to a cave is hidden down there where the water emerges. With the appropriate equipment and oxygen tank, you can even dive into the cave system. The rivers here on the South Island are also super clear and fresh: +++++++++ Split Apple Rock +++++++ We took it easy on the holidays. We visited a beach a bit further west from Nelson, which is known for a particular rock.. (Toilets are conveniently available on every major hiking trail. Very friendly, New Zealand!) This is the beach: And this is its highlight: The rock that looks like a 'split apple' We thought the little dogs enjoying a day at the beach were even cooler ;) +++++++++ Abel Tasman National Park +++++++ The weather was glorious on December 26th - perfect because we were right at one of the most visited tourist destinations on the South Island, Abel Tasman National Park. This national park is famous for its numerous beautiful bays along a hiking trail. Along the way, there are huts where you can spend the night - if you book early enough. Early enough means about half a year in advance!! When we were there, all the huts were long booked, but there was the option to cover part of the trail by being dropped off by taxi boat at one of the bays and simply walking back to the car within a day: lWe were also brought to the water in such a taxi boat (the tractor is definitely needed when it's low tide because the water at the spot where the boats start goes far out) We saw the split apple from up close here :) Many tourists also explore Abel Tasman National Park by kayak in addition to the speed boats. Do you see anything here? Something with fur and fins? :) We really liked that you can always see mountains in the distance: We were dropped off at the bay at Anchorage. From here, we walked back to the parking lot at the southern end of the national park. And as you can see: The beaches here are truly Caribbean beautiful! We suddenly felt like we were in Bali again, just without the humid heat and the annoying jewelry vendors! :D The way back to the car was only 3-4 hours long, but on the way, we wanted to make stops at some of the beautiful bays... Our first bay, we thought, would be lonelier than the large beach at Anchorage, where we were dropped off by the boat. Well...Not really!!! As I said, the national park is very popular and right now it's high season. (Personal interpretation of local signs) A cute little bird came towards us on the way - it can't fly anymore, but it's not a kiwi, it's a 'weka': Next bay, next attempt: halfway to the car, we took an extensive break on the beach. There was a bit more space here, and the many tourists didn't stand out. We had a little fight with a feisty fern on the way back home.. Anette scared it away though. Self-service fruit, jam, and egg stand with an interesting philosophy: 'We thank our buyers for their honesty - SURVEILLANCE CAMERA INSTALLED! - (Due to a lack of honesty).' New Year's Eve was just another day for us. Private fireworks are not allowed in New Zealand, and we spent the evening in Westport on the West Coast, where not even the city started a fireworks display, as is customary in larger cities. Therefore, the many New Year's greetings we received from Germany were even more special to us! Thank you very much, and of course, we also wish you all a fantastic 2017 with lots of tea/coffee/cocoa, depending on your preference, and love/friendship/loneliness (depending on your preference) and above all, lots of luck and excellent health! Stay good, enjoy the snow or at least the tea, and see you soon :) HanNZette
