Happy Birthday to MEEE!

So next we tootled down to Wellington as our plans to head over to the east cost were stopped by a landslide! We met up with Danny and Emily again, who we'd seen in Singapore and Mike geeked out at the Weta studios!

Then it was time for the ferry over to the south island, its not just a mode of transport, its special in itself, the views of the scenery and we cruised slowly through the Malbourough Sounds were incredible, helped by a gorgeous sunny day which was to set us up for the weather in the south island - only 1 day of rain in 3 weeks!

We landed in Picton on 26th March and as a pre-birthday surprise we pulled up at the Mussel Pot in Havelock, which is apparently the Green Lipped Mussel capital of the world! The mussels certainly were something special… and absolutely huge! Then we hot footed it to Nelson the same night where I was surprised as we pulled up to a hostel and was shown to a double room! It was a welcome sight after the camper van!

On my birthday we took bikes out and cycled around sunny Nelson, walking along the beach and having the biggest ice cream ever! Next was another surprise for me, a nice relaxing massage! Then we were off to the 'Boat Shed' restaurant, over looking the harbour for a 'Trust the Chef' tasting menu, including oysters, whitebait, smoked salmon, talbot and rack of lamb, washed down with some wine and finished off with a massive tiramasu! Amazing!

It was definitely a birthday to remember!

We then headed on over to the Abel Tasman National Park and took a boat trip to see yet another slice of New Zealand Paradise!