Sunday 15th March

The 3.30am alarm sparked us into action and we got to the airport in good time. The Qantas Club membership paid for itself again as we bypassed the queue at check-in and got breakfast in the Qantas Club lounge before boarding our flight home to Melbourne. Nothing gets you through the Customs hall quickly though when 5-6 flights all arrive together. Catching up on a week of emails, snail mail and washing is never easy but the week away has been well worth it.

Saturday 14th March

The ferry crossing from Picton to Wellington was fairly smooth despite the 2-3 metre swell in the Cook Strait.

We enjoyed the fresh air and a walk to our hotel. Cathy helped herself to a spot of retail therapy in the Lambton district of Wellington before another yummy dinner and an early night.

Friday 13th March

DJ didn’t have to start work until 3pm so kindly offered to drive us the scenic route to Picton – almost a 2 hour drive each way, thanks brother. The weather wasn’t as favourable as hoped but we soon forgot the weather as we visited 4 wineries in the Marlborough region during the afternoon. The wines tasted better as we went along so Cathy loved all of them by Villa Maria! We had booked in to the Yacht Club hotel online and felt like we’d gone back in time to an Austin Powers movie when we saw the round bed.

It was very comfortable though!

Thursday 12th March

The Cathedral Gardens Apartments kindly loaned us their mountain bikes so we took them for a spin around Port Nelson and had lunch at Saltwater café (where Trina works in the kitchen in the evenings). We got back safely then Cathy decided to go for a run later in the day to farewell the streets of Nelson. A home cooked Chicken Graciela completed the night.

Karli posed for photos while it cooked.

Wednesday 11th March

David and Trina had to get back to work and Trina started a new job. She makes sure all the crates of apples are despatched to the right place with the correct driver. With David called in for another shift on traffic management for the road works, our quiz team at the Sprig and Fern Tavern that night was aptly named “Mrs Apples and the Lollipop man”.

David managed to pick up a blonde (.....lager)

Whilst the other David cuddled his sister

The local Kiwis must have been studying for weeks so we didn’t take home the honours this week – better luck next time guys!

Tuesday 10th March

After our big hike yesterday, a sleep in was deserved so we pottered around our Cathedral Gardens Apartment, walked to the library and looked forward to dinner. “Hopgoods” was recently named the best restaurant in Nelson and did not disappoint as we took David and Trina on their first night out to dinner in Nelson! DJ chose the wines – a Blanc de Noir then a local Pinot Noir – both of which were excellent. The company was even better.

Monday 9 March 2009

Up early (5am Melbourne Time) we gathered our things for a walk in the Abel Tasman National Park. We drove to Marahau at the southern end of the park. Our 12km walk to Anchorage was full of delightful views, pristine beaches and wonderful rainforest.

DJ and Cathy had a quick drip before a water taxi took us back to Marahau.

DJ and Trina bought themselves a new BBQ before cooking us dinner.

Sunday 8 March 2009

Cathy ran to the Centre of NZ. It wasn’t far but it was steep. David loaned us the car after dropping him at work. We went to the Motueka Market (“Motueka Shoppingtown”), had Coffee and Cakes, then Wine Tastings followed by a sensational Seafood Platter at Seifried winery. DJ drove us home then made us risotto whilst we planned the week’s activities.

Saturday 7 March 2009

The planes were flying again and we had daylight to enjoy the scenic flight into Nelson. Trina picked us up and dropped us off at the Cathedral Gardens B&B. We had a walk with Trina, Zac and Carly before Trina headed off to work. David finished at 6pm so we were able to cook him a BBQ dinner and try a few NZ beers.

Friday 6 March 2009

Mother Mary arrived on time to take us to the airport (also known as the “Duty Free Shoppingtown”). Our flight to Wellington was excellent and we made our way through customs and immigration very quickly. We attempted to change to earlier flights to Nelson but there were no seats available. After 3.5 hours sitting around, we were finally we told our flight, the final flight of the day was cancelled!!!

Fortunately, after some organisation, Air New Zealand provided us with a hotel room and breakfast.