McKee's Memorial Resrve Ruby Bay

Another beautiful spot set right alongside the beach in amongst lots of native trees, very relaxing and the morning chorus was great. Only 3km north of Mapua and the crafty shops and cafes on the old wharf. The beach is pebbled but there are a few narrow sandy areas which are easier on the feet when swimming.
Heading back to Nelson for a couple of days then the West Coast

Pohara to Kaiteriteri

We came back over the Takaka Hill in fine style and went to the Kaiteriteri Beach Camp, another large and popular camp,set amongst beautiful trees and across the road from the beach. We met some lovely people from Whangerei, and had some great happy hours.
We had our first real rain on Sunday at Kaiteri but used the time to clean up the van, lunch in Motueka and trip up to Marahau at the South end of the Abel Tasman Track. By the time we got back the rain had stopped, the sun was out and Ray went for a paddle around the Bay

Totaranui

Whilst at Pohara we took Jim for a trip to Totaranui, once again 20k of unsealed and windy narrow road, The Totaranui DOC camp is huge and a great spot right alongside the golden sand beach and in the Abel Tasman National Park. This camp is so popular that you have to book for a site by July for the Xmas holidays and then they are balloted.

The road to Totaranui

Golden Bay

After two nights at Pakawau we headed south again, t

through Takaka to another POP at the Pohara Boat Club in Port Tarakohe.

Golden Bay

We left Nelson on 20th heading for Farewell Spit in Golden Bay and camped at a Pop Over Property at Pakawau. These POP's as they are called are for the 'Camping / Motorhome Ass.' people only and are usually free or only a gold coin donation to stay at, and usually for 2 nights only.
It was the site of a closed down school and the owner has turned it into a cafe / restaurant. It was a lovely setting. It was here that we met a nurse from New Plymouth who works in the hospice.
The next day we drove to Farewell Spit and Cape Farewell in the Jimny. The roads were rough and Jim handled them well and we were pleased we left Winnie at Pakawau to rest.It was beautiful weather and we had a picnic on the cliffs watching the seals below us in crystal clear water chasing fish for their meal. We then climbed over the hills (DOC land) and picked about 1/2 kg of mushrooms, beautifully white with pink undersides. That is something we haven't done in years!!
We then drove to Whanganui Inlet and on the way we saw about 50 pairs of Paradise Shelducks in one field.Apparently these ducks pair for life. The females have the beautiful white heads.
This was the time of the king tides and in places the sea had come over the road leaving bits of driftwood behind.

After Cable Bay we went to the Tahuna Beach Camp at Nelson and left Winnie there whilst we went home for a couple of days, we then celebrated Ray's birthday by having a lovely dinner at 'The Boat Shed' in Nelson, right on the waterfront.

Cable Bay 20K North of Nelson

Cable Bay is the site of the first Trans Tasman telephone cable coming ashore, at that time the South Island had the larger population and wealth

Okiwi Bay off fishing

Helped Mel Ross with a set net 5 Gurnard, 1 Sole 4 Flounder, but no room in the fridge, great Day

Girls in charge whilst boys have a beer!!

Trip to D'Urville and Stephens Islands from French Pass

The smile says it all

Okiwi Bay Marlborough

We moved from Momorangi after six nights and headed through the Rai Valley turning off towards French Pass, Okiwi Bay is a little holiday settlement about 25k from the main road.

We took Jim on a day trip to french Pass 25k of unsealed rod after Elaine Bay twisty, rutted and very scenic with large vertical drops

 Cissy Bay Mussel Farm

The French Pass Road

French Pass

Third night Momorangi Bay on the Marlborough Sounds

We stayed at Momorangi for six nights settling in to the lifestyle and soaking up the atmosphere, biking and paddling the kayak. Momorangi Bay is 13km from Picton on Queen Charlotte Drive and the road was probaly the first challenging drive.

Chef de Cuisine!!

We were going to go and stay in Kenepuru Sound near the Portage but  our reconnoitre in "Jim" showed the road had had a washout that we didn't like to take WinnieB over.
WinnieB is proving a real drawcard and getting rave reviews

Cook Strait Crossing

We had 70 knot winds in Wellington whilst waiting for the ferry, but as soon as we left Wellington Habour the wind dropped and the sun  came out, the sea flattened out so no sick bags required!. The Stratsmann was very comfortable and impressive

Second Stop Raumati Beach

Waterfront Cafe and Bar, with the Gilberts

First Stop Waiinui Beach Waitotara

WinnieB and Jim Leave for the South Island

Shona and Ray Barlow  Headed offf to the South Island on 28th February 2011