Keep calm and carry on (for now)

20^th March – 22^nd March (Abel Tasman National Park)

After a final night in Airbnb heaven we started the onwards journey. We stopped in Nelson for supermarket provisions (there is no clear stockpiling in NZ yet) before moving on to Marahau and Abel Tasman National Park. After some Coronavirus related changes to our accommodation (no problems but just cautious hosts) we checked into a new campsite and set on to explore the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. It was incredible. I mean truly incredible. We walked from Marahau to Apple Tree Bay and back (~ 5 km each way) stopping also at Tinline Bay. The walking was some of the best I have done in my entire life, with golden sands and crystal blue seas below us, forest all around us (with cute little Weka birds) and the wind whipping through the trees. Amid all the chaos I can’t imagine a better place to be. Dinner in our cabin (fruit and yoghurt) was top notch. Another wonderful day in Paradise.

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With the weather more overcast on our second day we postponed our walking and visited Split Apple Rock (it’s a rock that looks like a split apple unsurprisingly) before driving down the coast to Kaiteriteri. At first glance we were a bit disappointed, as we were now used to tiny hidden coves and this beach was (ever so slightly) more touristy. However we quickly changed our minds and as we walked on the golden sands listening to the sea and feeling the waves lap against our feet, I was very peaceful. In the afternoon we had a much needed coffee before the rain hit. The gloomy skies were a bit more fitting for the current situation. We spent the afternoon discussing how to play our next moves. To be honest, we don’t have a clue…

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Amid all the chaos we are keeping some degree of normality. On our last day in Abel Tasman, we woke to a beautiful sunrise before taking a water taxi to Bark Bay. En route our guide showed us Split Apple Rock again (nice to see it from the sea) and then a seal colony. Rather hilariously the males and females have separate islands. As our guide put it ‘the males have their own pad with sky TV and lots of beer and just come here for a good time in October/November before heading back home’. The views of the park from the boat were also incredible. As we expected the walk back to Marahau was magical. I’ve said it before, but the park has been some of the best hiking I’ve done in my entire life. All of my senses felt heightened, with fresh forest smells and noise (aside from mum constantly talking), golden bay views and sparkling blue seas. After just over 20 km we arrived back, tired but fully satisfied from our day. An evening was spent in a nice little Airbnb with a mother’s day dinner of jacket potato with cheese and beans (although 100 % world chaos levels). We are now fighting to keep any degree of normality. The easiest way I can describe it is that we are living our days in a wonderful bubble and our evenings in a state of confusion.

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23^rd March – 24^th March (Saint Arnaud)

We spent the following morning in a small town called Motueka trying to assess our options for getting back to the UK. Our host recommended us a travel agent called Jeremy who was absolutely world class (I thanked him with a chocolate bunny). After picking up some groceries and now with some idea of a travel plan (amid an ever changing situation) we set off for Saint Arnaud. I’m struggling to make some big life decisions at the moment and Jeremy was a star. We then explored Saint Arnaud and Lake Rotoiti. We first visited a small church that was probably one of the most scenic I have ever seen. With stunning lake views it would be a wonderful place to worship. The lake and surrounding forest was once home to a number of species indigenous to New Zealand, although many have since been lost due to the activities of the Maori (e.g. hunting) and European immigrants. Now (thanks to conservation work which includes pest control) it has a rich diversity including species such as the kaka, parakeets and giant weta. Our home for the night was also incredible, it reminded me strongly of cabins we stayed in as children at Centre Parks.

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Who knows what tomorrow will bring? Or even the days and months after that… I feel completely lost at the moment, but at the same time I have never felt more at home. A few main thoughts to leave you on:

1. When it hits the fan, the best place to be is in nature. New Zealand is perfect for that.
2. The people here are insanely kind and welcoming. I have been offered long and short-term accommodation from people who hardly know me. It’s been touching to see this caring and kind side of human nature amidst all the craziness.
3. It’s great to sing. I can’t sing (ask anyone who knows me) but it helps. Disney is a good starting point.
4. Cherish the special moments. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?

In all reality I can’t see many more blog posts for a while after this one. I hope everyone at home is keeping safe and sound. Remember to do the right thing and look after those you love. Cherish the special moments in life because it’s alarming just how quickly things can change.