Rivendell

Rivendell is outside of Upper Hutt and is where the Lord of the Rings was filmed.  This is one of the bridges in the park.

A river flows through the area.

Near the bridge is a walkway that takes you down to the edge of the river.

August 17, 2012

Picton

 After leaving Motueka in Abel Tasman National Forest we travelled to Picton to catch the Interislander Ferry to take us back to Wellington.

In Picton they had automated high tech bathrooms which would  play music when the door shut and would talk to you throughout the process.  You had to push a button to get the toilet paper and then the toilet wouldn't flush until you had washed you hands.  It also informed you once the door was locked of how much time you had until the door would reopen.  We all had to try it and it was a once in a lifetime experience.

Heather and Ethan on the ferry ready for the voyage.

Besides just transporting passengers they also transport vehicles and trains.  This is looking out as the vans are loaded onto the ferry.  They first load large trucks, then vans and last automobiles.

It is beautiful travelling through the fjords.

This is a picture of the ferry.  Since the trip takes 3 hours they have various activities for the passengers.  There is a movie theater, cafes,  play equipment for the young passengers, and cribs for the babies.

This is the tugboat which guides the ferry to its destination once it gets to Wellington.

August 16, 2012

Abel Tasman

Heather and Ethan waiting for our boat which will take us to Tonga Bay for our 2 hour hike to Medlands Beach (which is next to Barks Bay).

Abel Tasman National Park has beautiful golden sandy beaches and it is a very beautiful hike.

Half way through the hike it started to sprinkle but fortunately it wasn't a downpour.

This is outside of one of the huts that are used by hikers which are staying overnight.  We used it for a place to rest and eat our lunch which was prepared by our boat company (Wilson Boat).

At Medlands Beach the boat picked us up and returned us to the town of Kaiteriteri where we started.  It was always tricky getting off and on the boat because you had to follow the wave or your shoes were soaked.

August 15, 2012

Westport/Nelson

 We continued on to Westport and went to Tauranga Bay and saw the seal colony and then travelled on to Nelson  The above is located in the center of Nelson.

This cathedral is also located in Nelson.

August 14, 2012

Swinging BridgeThT

This is New Zealand's longest swing bridge.  In the past there was a flash flood in the river below  which almost came up to the bottom of the bridge which is extremely high.

A little hut which was along the trail.

Ethan showing his balancing skills while crossing the bridge.

August 14, 2012

Pancake Rocks

We arose early on Tuesday morning to go to see Pancake Rocks.  It is nice to be there at high tide.  However, because of the direction of the current the blowholes weren't as high.

This blowhole can reach as high as the rocks if the conditions are right.

Pancake Rocks is so named because of the rock formations looking like a stack of pancakes.  

This is a cavern which is just north of the town and an entrance on the left goes further back.

August 14, 2012