Our second Great Walk

Having spent a few days with Sandra and Barry (looking at houses!) we headed by bus out to the Abel Tasman area.  We camped for 2 nights at Takaka at the local camping ground.  The owner loaned us a couple of bikes and helmets so we spent a day cycling around (on bikes slightly too small for us!) and visiting Pupu Springs (it has a longer Maori name which we can't remember off hand).  This is a large area of freshwater springs with the clearest water in the world - allegedly. 
On January 13 we set off walking the Abel Tasman Coastal Track which is another of New Zealand's Great Walks.  We took 3 days and 2 nights, camping both nights at basic sites right by the beach.  The weather was really good and we took several dips in the sea to cool off.  The scenery was quite stunning and the hills were minimal!
The day after we finished the Walk we hired a sea kayak for 4 hours and paddled around Kaiteriteri area viewing Split Apple Rock and stopping at a beach for a picnic and a swim - very pleasant.
A couple more nights with Sandra and Barry and then it was time to head to Christchurch for a brief stop to say farewell to Carol's mum who was returning to England.  The journey to Christchurch involved 2 buses and then a train (!) - very rare in New Zealand.  The train took us from Blenheim to Christchurch along the Kaikoura coast.  The train has an open observation car and from that we were able to view the passing scenery including lots of seals.

From Christchurch we headed inland to Twizel near Mount Cook.  Most people here wonder why on earth we wanted to go to Twizel - we have a friend living there!  Peter works for the Department of Conservation and is working on eradicating 'wilding' pines - those trees that aren't native and are invading the countryside.  He took us around showing us what his job involves and how successful they have been so far.  One day he took us right up to the road end at Mount Cook village.  Sadly the cloud was down but it was spectacular nonetheless.
On 24 January we farewelled Peter and headed to Wanaka to visit Judy.  We left Pete in glorious sunshine and were able to see Mount Cook in all its glory from the centre of Twizel