Kayak School over, it was time for some serious relaxation in hot springs, so Hanmer Springs was our destination.  We bobbed about in all the different temperature pools then headed for Kaikoura and those cheeky whales.  It’s a pretty impressive set up, we learnt stacks about all the different types of whales, and then had a close up with a rather large one puffing and spurting away.  We also saw about a trillion dusky dolphins – they are incredible – so lively and sleek. 

We stopped off in Blenheim on the way north to purchase our wine for the month, do a few tastings and test Phil on the difference between a chardonnay and a sav blanc.    He is still rubbish…despite all his chat about noses and passion fruit tastes…..!  We had the most delicious meal at Hunters vineyard and swam in their pool.  Then onto Riwaka and a day sea kayaking in the Abel Tasman National Park – cute little beaches and a big paddle was the order of the day.  We ended up staying the night on a backpacker boat which was good fun before walking the 2nd day through the park.  It was great fun running the gauntlet of the tidal crossings – you can check out the pics showing how deep it was!  Phil was a total legend carrying my back pack through the second one as I was basically swept away!

Then boo, hiss, it was time to get our ferry up Norff again.