We were so excited to see Iain and Fiona when we arrived in Momorangi and even more delighted that we decided to “cruise” together for a couple of days.

When we arrived in Picton from the ferry, we expected to see curvy roads and the 161 curves on the 14 kilometers (9 miles) to Momorangi delivered.

The next day, we decided to go for a walk along the waterfront trail that had we been so inclined could take us through the Able Tasman area to the northern most tip of the South Island. We just walked for an hour or so and turned around. Some of the rural homes have distinct mailboxes, and the community excelled.

After dark that day, we went for a night walk to see the glowworms, land-bound worms that glow in the night to attract prey. The glowworms produce a trail of sticky substance that ensnares prey attracted to their light. It is eerie to look through the trees to see little star-like creatures.

Abel Tasman

The Abel Tasman park is on the North Coast of the South Island and much of it is accessible only via foot or boat.

We camped at Canaan Downs after an all-to-brief stop in Nelson. Along the way, we got to walk over our first suspension bridge and were introduced to the steep gulleys. Gold was discovered in the area in the mid 1860’s and many of the communities had substantial populations that have since receded. We stopped briefly at PIC’s peanut butter factory, and were HUGE fans of their all-the-nuts peanut butter. Signs along the walk to lookout at the top of the pass near Canaan Downs explained how water dissolves the calcium-enriched rocks, etching them over time, and in some cases causing sinkholes.

The next day, we hiked from Canaan Downs to field of etched rocks, which involved a scramble across the last rocky stretch. We then proceeded to a sinkhole that produced a deep vertical cave.

We headed down the other side of the pass to our next stop, a campground in Pakawau on Golden Beach near the tip of the island. At sunrise the next morning, we exercised on the beach then headed out to Wharariki Beach, famous for the Microsoft screensaver photo. As we approached the windy beach, I stopped to take a photo and watched Herman’s hat sail over my head, never to be seen again.

After a few other stops, we decided to backtrack south and head towards the West Coast. Sadly, when we arrived at our agreed upon campsite, we learned that Iain and Fiona had car trouble and wouldn’t be able to join us. We truly enjoyed the days we spent together and have fond memories of the laughter and camaraderie we shared.

What’s Next

We’ll continue along the West Coast of the South Island.