Nov 3rd & 4th – Our trip from Picton to Marahau was along some very scenic roads that took us over a mountain pass above the Queen Charlotte Strait to Havelock and then along the coast road to Marahau. We stopped in Nelson for lunch and, for a bit of a break, visited the WOW museum. Part of this museum is the display of wearable art. The displays are all from the World of Wearable Art Awards show, which is an annual event in Nelson. Some of the costumes were truly remarkable.

Marahau is where the Abel Tasman National Park begins and one really has the sense of being at the end of the road once you arrive. The park is accessible only by water, foot or air and our B&B was just a short walk from the park entrance.

Our B&B owner was a widower named George, who has lived in the area all his life. His property consists of a main house and three self contained apartments just down the drive from the house. He has a stunning view from his living room overlooking the bay. To help with the upkeep of his property and likely for company, as well, he brings in foreign students who are on one-year work visas. We met Axel, a nice young fellow from Germany at breakfast.

Dinner was at a local cafe just a short walk from the B&B. George had green lipped mussels ( a local delicacy) while I stayed with a more traditional choice. Later we visited with George for a coffee and internet access. He makes a mean fruit cake although he said his mother wouldn’t be too pleased that he cut it before it had completely cooled.

The next morning we drove into Kaiteriteri and took a boat cruise up the coastline to Medlands Bay stopping to see Split Apple Rock, the cormorants nesting and a seal colony. It was a nice way to spend a sunny morning before pressing on to Westport.