our South Island road trip

We had a great 8 day trip discovering the sights around just some of the South Island during the school holidays. Our 4 berth campervan did the trick nicely - thanks Discover NZ!

We traveled the Alpine Pacific Triangle, to Akaroa and back to Nelson. Three of New Zealand’s popular recreational destinations, Hanmer Springs, Waipara Valley wine region and Kaikoura are linked by the Alpine Pacific Triangle touring route. The standout feature of this trip was the vast landscapes combined with stunning Autumn colours.

Some highlights of our trips were: whale watching at Kaikoura, Thrillseekers Canyon Jetboat, Christchurch CBD on ANZAC day and Akaroa on a warm sunny day.

Some pictures of our week away...


Dusk and Whites Bay, Blenheim.


Strange creature spotted in Christchurch!


Dune jumping at Kaikoura.


ANZAC Day Chirstchurch Cathedral.


Portrait artist sculpture, Akaroa.


Diving Sperm Whale, Kaikoura.


Grapes galore, Blenheim.


Flynn on the flying fox, Kaikoura.


Southern men.


Our camper (bottom left), Akaroa.


Wharf, Akaroa.


'Wicked Rentals' detail .


Catch of the day, yum!


New Brighton pier, Christchurch. Brrr.


Fish 'n chips, Lyttleton.


Christchurch in the Autumn.


Rear window camper panorama.


Seal colony, Kaikoura.


A game of cards approaching Hamner Springs.

Able Tasman day trip

Wow. Wow. Wow.

Last weekend we got to experience the natural wonder that is the Able Tasman National Park. The 'Jewel in the Crown'. This is a truly amazing natural wonderland; the pristine beauty of this coastline is absolutely breathtaking! Simon's dad Colin, and partner Misoo joined us.



We caught an early morning Water Taxi from Marahau up to The Anchorage, beside Torrent Bay. Thanks Aqua Taxis!


Note to self: The DOC cabins and facilities at The Anchorage are fantastic. Next time stay overnight!


Approaching The Anchorage.

From The Anchorage, we joined the Able Tasman walk, returning to our starting point at Marahau village. This part of the track took us 4.5 hours. It was an easy undulating walk, passing 5 beaches and plenty of waterfalls.

Things we love about Nelson No.2

The Pelorus River

Halfway between Blenheim and Nelson, where a bridge crosses the Pelorus River, there is a beautiful scenic reserve that has some of the most accessible examples of mature native forest in the Marlborough region.





Native tree species in the reserve include matai, kahikatea, rimu, totara and miro, as well as several varieties of beech. The forest undergrowth is rich with ferns, epiphytes, mosses and lichen.



A bit of history...

The valley was the site of a massacre of the Ngati Kuia and Ngati Apa tribes by the Maori chief Te Rauparaha, who came from the North Island coast, west of Wellington. The first Europeans to arrive in 1843 found a few remaining Maori people producing flax for Te Rauparaha. The original route to Nelson went through the reserve site and over the Maungatapu Saddle. Later, the path that the road follows today was discovered, and a bridge was built across the Pelorus River around 1860. The Pelorus Bridge location was set aside for a future township, but in the early 1900s this was changed to preserve the area's natural beauty. The present bridge was built in the 1950s.


The clear waters of the Pelorus River

Do the Twist

Us Owen's are big Kite fans, and thanks to a great kiting community here in Nelson, we now have another to add to our collection.



Introducing 'The Twister'. A 3.0m para foil, quad string power kite.

Here is the Twister giving Simon a windy workout on Tahunanui Beach

Wild Food. Wild Festival. Wild West!

The 19th Wild Food Festival held in Hokitika, was a real experience for us. About 4hrs drive from Nelson, the rugged west coast of the South Island is the perfect location for this iconic event.

About 12,000 people were there, many in fancy dress. There were many in groups of 'themes'. Some of which were cannibals, smurfs, nerds, the incredibles, the flintstones and lots of PJs!

We bumped into 2 lots of people from Birkenhead. Some photos from the day are below.


Tonight we dine in HELL!


*What is a mountain oyster? Scroll to the bottom for the answer.



















Lots of people were watching a couple of guys chopping rotten wood, hunting for hoo hoo grubs for hungry punters. Check out the merry guy in blue as he barters for his bug.



*Sheeps' Balls!