Captains Quarters self catering Accommodation Nelson

The owner of Captains Quarters not only runs two first class self catering houses, but also is a talented potter, stood here with one of his characterful seagulls next to his studio high on the port hills with stunning views over to Abel Tasman national park.

Nelson Pottery

Nelson Pottery has works of over 25 selected potters. All work is handmade by Nelson craftspeople. Adjacent is South Street, an interesting and well preserved example of early settlement of Nelson with several weatherboard houses looking just as fine as the day they were hand built.

South Street Gallery, 10 Nile Street West, Nelson, New Zealand

High on the Abel Tasman Track

It doesn't always shine in New Zealand, be prepared to get some heavy rain at the most unexpected times. This trip was harldy picture post card but still impressively atmospheric.

Silver Fern

Symbol of a nation, the silver fern unfirls in spring.

Boat hire in queen Charlotte Sound

The sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound on the top tip of the South Island of New Zealand offers a perfect place to Charter a boat. Try Picton or Havelock for further information.

Queen Charlotte Walkway

The crystal clear waters of Queen Charlotte sound are one of the rewards of the walkway which takes 3 days and starts from Linkwater and leads to Resolution bay taking you through rain forests and sheltered inlets along well prepared footpaths.

We can personally recommend Sunflower Units in Linkwater as a place to stay. They are run by a friendly German couple who settled in the area several years ago. They now run a small farmlet which has a few cows, chooks and sheep set in the middle of a peaceul valley overlooking Queen Charlotte Sound. We have stayed there twice and thorughly enjoyed being able to explore Picton and Havelock.

Soaring tree ferns tower above our heads in Queen Charlotte sound.

Oxleys Hotel Picton

Oxleys hotel in Picton is mid way through a face lift. Great to see this stunning facade survives for future generations.

Bright church in Picton

Wild coloured church in Picton which has now been converted into a home. The Kiwis have no fear when it comes to colour!

Malborough to Picton offroad

Coastal inlet viewed from on the old (gravel) road snaking its' way between Picton and Malborough. Only for the more experienced tourist, not made for camper vans. It is a rewarding alternative to the highway and brings you out in the heart of vinyard territory.

Arthurs Pass National Park

Castle Rock is set half way between Christchurch and Hokitika in the Arthurs Pass national park. Close to the road so it is an excellent half hour excursion for even the most timid traveller. These curious limestone formations have developed over millions of years of errosion from rain. It is a mecca for solo climbing and bouldering which is quite fascinating to observe.

Where to stay in Akaroa NZ

Linton Historic bed and breakfast is a unique location to stay in Akaroa. Part accommocation, part living gallery for owner and resident artist who created a wonderful mosaic garden in which the house is set.

Banks Peninsula from Akaroa Harbour

The Banks Peninsula from Akaroa Harbour on a stunning sunny day. Temperatures in the bay are consistently higher than in nearby Christchurch, rainfall much lower so it is a great place to escape an average day from the city.

There is a small safe swimming beach, pier and array of wonderful little shops to browse. Several excellent cafes and a hanful of resaurants are worth a look.

Boat excursions can be taken from the pier to see Akaroa bay and the Banks Peninsula as well as Hectors dolphins. The trips usually leave just after midday and last several hours.

Fishing boat moored at Akaroa harbour

It is possible to buy fish on the quayside here at Akaroa which is a real treat. Rarely these days do you get fish so delicously fresh. The waters off New Zealand are unpolluted and produce wonderful fresh fish such as Akaroa Blue Cod, Hoki and snapper.

If you really love your fish you must make the effort to get down to Fleurs place which is nationally famous for its fish and located towards Dunedin at Moeraki where the Moeraki Boulders are also found.

Whale Watch Helicopter flights

Holiday makers leave by helicopter to go whale watching in kaikoura. This is one of the best and fastest ways to see these graceful creatures but these trips are more weather dependant than the Whale Watch boats. Trips last about half an hour which is ideal if your schedule is tight.

Kaikoura peninsula track

View from the Kaikoura peninsula track which leads from the seal colony to South Bay where you can watch fishermen and the Whale Watch boats setting off. South Bay is also a great location for safe swimming. The walk will take between 2-3 hours and is an ideal thing to do if you are waiting for the weather to calm ready for a dolphin or whale trip.

The track either takes a cliff top route offering elevated views of the sea and Kaikoura mountain ranges or you may opt for a low tide route along the foot of the cliffs which creeps safely around level rocky beaches and shaley bays. The colour of the water and the cleanliness of the beaches is outstanding. Keep your eye out for small fossils on the beaches which come from the erosion of the limestone cliffs.

There are no shops in south bay nor places to eat out so make sure if you are making a day of it take a packed lunch and plenty of drink with you.

New Zealand fur seal

New Zealand fur seal basks in the midday sun at the seal colony on the peninsula at Kaikoura. It is possible to see seals safely every day on this limestone platform which is revealed at low tide.

If you want a closer experience why not try the the Seal Swim Kaikoura excursion where you get the opportunity to swim amongst the wild creatures.

Sceninc Rail journeys

Huge tranz rail freight train waits at the Whale Way Station. There are some superb rail journeys that can be made in New Zealand. This track runs from Picton to Christchurch running mainly along the coastline offering magnificent coastal scenery and views of mountain scapes. The Arthurs Pass rail journey is another popular route taking visitors on a day trip between Christchurch and Greymouth.