We awoke to crystal blue skies coupled with bright sunshine and went to a small coffee shop where the owner roasts his own beans; great coffee! The drive down to Motueka was fairly bland but the town is a major base for excursions to Abel Tasman and Kahurangi national parks. We had a coffee at a stand that also was a tour office that had posters for ultra light flights. As we headed out of town we watched some skydivers land at the airport and also an ultra light landing so we drove in to inquire. Shortly after we were aloft, flying over Motueka and down the coast to Abel Tasman Park. It is mainly composed of completely forested marble and limestone hills right to the seawater’s edge. The park is accessed from the water and there are water taxis, sailboats and kayaks all along the coast. The ultra light I was in had a top speed of 84 mph and was incredibly agile. Dave was in the trainer so the pilot let him take the controls for 60% of his trip! The view was incredible and it gives an entirely different impression of the area than from ground level, huge expanses of wilderness as well as numerous vineyards, and orchards in the non hilly areas. There are million dollar homes along the coast outside the park, in large part due to the sunny climate and beautiful scenery.
After a quick lunch we headed off towards Murchison through the Motueka river valley on a twisting route through sheep and fruit farms and then through forests on over Mount Saddle into Kahurangi park. After Murchison the road hugs the Buller River which rushes through a long spectacular gorge on its’ way to the Tasman Sea. The road is continuously turning and falling and with minimal traffic is a dream ride. When Buller explored this gorge it took him 6 weeks in constant rain; we did it in two hours and sunshine! The river gorge itself is a water sports Mecca with white water rafting, jet boating and kayaking. We stayed at the Black and White, a bar/ hotel/ betting room combination in the British pub tradition.
1. Dave and Coffee Grinder in Nelson 2. Coffee Van in Motueka
3. Just Before Going Aloft 4. Abel Tasman Park Coast Line
5. Film Clip of Take Off 6. Hedges Protecting Kiwi Fruit Orchard
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