We made it back to Wellington! After traveling non-stop for 3 weeks (plane, plane, bus, plane, train, bus, ferry, sailboat, bus, ferry train) we may just stay put for a few...? We had a wonderful holiday in the South Island with Nana and Papa. Sailing up and down Abel Tasman National Park was an awesome experience. The kids had some ups and downs being cooped up in a small space at times but generally speaking, they passed as world travellers with flying colours!

We enjoyed most days at various beaches, enjoyed a few hikes, and kayaking. We are sorting out all of the new birds here and also enjoyed seals playing in the water nearby one morning. We caught the tail of a cyclone and had to take refuge with a number of other boats one night. We had a rude awakening at 4:30am when the boat was about to hit another as the anchor was dragging - damage (aside to to that of Papa's heart) was spared at the last minute. The winds were quite something and I need to get used to the phenomenon 'gale force winds' - apparently these are quite common in New Zealand. Awesome.

The sail back was amazing and we hit 24knots at one point - again a bit of damage to Papa's heart. We were accompanied by a pod of dolphins part of the way (and penguins behind those!) which was magical - I only had 2 shots left on my memory card - talk about disappointing!!! The last few days spent in Nelson were around town and a day out at the wineries and olive groves.

Best Fish and Chips in the World!!! My Jeans don't fit anymore - so much for stocking up in Canada!

Grayson is obsessed with the Haka - my little warrior wanna be.

Lovely friends from another boat

Cricket is the new Baseball

Our only rainy day, calm before the storm.

1 of 2 pictures of these beauties. 

New Zealand Wine Lover

Tourists from the UK

Sailing video to come!