randomone
13th January 2008, 05:00 PM
I've just returned from my holiday to NZ, most of which was spent in the Nelson/Golden Bay region.
Oh my goodness, it is more beautiful than I imagined and it is definitely my future home (I'm going to book and pay for a flight at the end of the year and somehow I will get the money together in time to make that move).
While I was there I did many things. One of which was the Abel Tasman 3day kayak/walk with Wilsons Abel Tasman. Ok, this could definitely be done on your own. The walks are easy really (a LITTLE bit of up hill but nothing that will kill you as long as you go at your own pace) - just make sure you know tide times in order to make the most of some of the walks (and make it easier on yourself).
However, if you want the comfort and security of a nice bed at the end of each day (rather than having to pitch your tent while the rain is pouring down and you are soaking, etc, etc ... let's face it, it does rain in NZ) then I could not recommend Wilsons more highly. Their lodges are outstandingly tranquil and beautiful (and only available if you do the walk/kayak) and their guides are informative and good company.
I loved this part of my journey. If you want to do it on your own, then consider using Abel Tasman Kayaks - also very good.
If you aren't shy of basic living and want a recommendation for a backpacker hostel in Golden Bay then I highly recommend Shambhala. There is NOWHERE more beautiful but you have to be prepared to deal with the composting toilets and limited electrical sockets (do you really need to recharge the mobile phone anyway?). And it is a 20 min walk up the quiet, tranquil, beautiful lane/driveway to Mussel Inn where they brew their own beer, wine and ginger beer and have live music many nights of the week, plus an outside fire to sit next to.
Takaka, the nearest town, has a great vibe to it (but is probably for the more alternative/hippy-type).
........... why am I posting this, I should be keeping this part of the world a secret as it is beautiful as it is .... please don't all decide to move ther (like I am)!
Oh my goodness, it is more beautiful than I imagined and it is definitely my future home (I'm going to book and pay for a flight at the end of the year and somehow I will get the money together in time to make that move).
While I was there I did many things. One of which was the Abel Tasman 3day kayak/walk with Wilsons Abel Tasman. Ok, this could definitely be done on your own. The walks are easy really (a LITTLE bit of up hill but nothing that will kill you as long as you go at your own pace) - just make sure you know tide times in order to make the most of some of the walks (and make it easier on yourself).
However, if you want the comfort and security of a nice bed at the end of each day (rather than having to pitch your tent while the rain is pouring down and you are soaking, etc, etc ... let's face it, it does rain in NZ) then I could not recommend Wilsons more highly. Their lodges are outstandingly tranquil and beautiful (and only available if you do the walk/kayak) and their guides are informative and good company.
I loved this part of my journey. If you want to do it on your own, then consider using Abel Tasman Kayaks - also very good.
If you aren't shy of basic living and want a recommendation for a backpacker hostel in Golden Bay then I highly recommend Shambhala. There is NOWHERE more beautiful but you have to be prepared to deal with the composting toilets and limited electrical sockets (do you really need to recharge the mobile phone anyway?). And it is a 20 min walk up the quiet, tranquil, beautiful lane/driveway to Mussel Inn where they brew their own beer, wine and ginger beer and have live music many nights of the week, plus an outside fire to sit next to.
Takaka, the nearest town, has a great vibe to it (but is probably for the more alternative/hippy-type).
........... why am I posting this, I should be keeping this part of the world a secret as it is beautiful as it is .... please don't all decide to move ther (like I am)!