Motupiko to Auckland

Feb 8th to March 8th, 2010

Motupiko.- Motueka - Nelson - Farewell Spit - (Golden Bay) - Picton - Ferry to Wellington - Train to Auckland - Coastbusters Kayak Symposium - International Kayak Week - Boat builder get together at Bleu Lake - Back to Auckland.

Pictures: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Hk2QPQHXVtdmvH647

Distance: 178 km

Total distance: 4179 km

Because our time on the South Island was getting short, we hired a vehicle in Nelson for 6 days. We got a good deal on a mini van so we were able to fit our bikes inside. We drove to Farewell Spit and took the time to visit the area. Not far from Farewell Spit (via car), we spent an afternoon exploring Wharariki Beach. This was by far the best beach day ever! We had so much fun amongst the sand dunes, sea caves, and rock formations. We made it to the base of Able Tasman National Park, but the weather wasn't the best for kayaking. So we decided to drive for a day, hoping the weather would improve. We made it to Portage where we biked the Queen Charlotte track. We tried to go kayaking again, but the winds were too high. Instead, we went to Picton, and then drove the coastal road towards Blenheim. This is an amazing road that we would love to have done on our bikes. At Picton, we hired kayaks and paddled in the Queen Charlotte Sound up to Davie's Bay. The next day, we took the ferry to Wellington, and stayed at a Hostel downtown. We took the train the next day to Auckland to prep for the kayaking portion of our trip with Paul, Natasha and the folks involved with the Coastbusters Symposium.

Before the Symposium weekend, thanks to Gerry's coordination, We had the opportunity to go on a 5 days paddle trip in the Bay of Island. We kayaked through the hole in the rock...a big tourist attraction! Then the Symposium itself where we met a bunch of great...wonderful people. After the symposium, we participated at the IKW (International Kayaking Week) at Martin's Bay (4 days) where we did a few day trips, 1 surf day and had a lot of fun. Apres kayaking included a winery tour and a visit to the nearby hot pools. Back to Auckland to prep for our next weekend. We participated at another kayak gathering at Blue Lake near Rotorua. Another great weekend with kayakers...! We are now back in Auckland at Steve and Sue's place who have hosted for the past 2 weeks. They are great...great people. We are now getting ready to hit the road again for our last 7 weeks in New Zealand.