Queen Charlotte Track - Day 2

Today is another long day.  Something around 24 km to the next campsite.  Here we go!

Camp Bay to Cow Shed.

Queen Charlotte Track - Day 1

Today is the first day on the Queen Charlotte Track.  Our water taxi took us across the sound and dropped us off on a beach at the beginning of the track. This part of the hike is about 27 km and will take us most of the day today.

Pal meets Lightning McQueen!

Notice the Christmas tree in the background.  They do it really early around here.

Rainy day in Picton

It rained all day today so we don't have much to report.  So here is a picture of the Homy at our last campsite at Marfell's Beach.

Lochmara

Today we went to Lochmara, a lodge/relaxation spot across the sound from Picton.  They had pigs, chickens, parakeets, geckos, and other interesting animals.  Matt and I took turns kayaking in the calm of the bay looking for large sting rays while Pal had a blast playing in the water.  It was a great day!

Made it to Picton! Queen Charlotte is booked!

We made it to Picton today and got the details settle for the Queen Charlotte track.  New Zealand is famous for its mega epic, multi-day hiking tracks that take you through some of the most amazing countryside.  There are 9 Great Walks that are so named by the Kiwis themselves.  There are tons more that are just as epic but a little less famous.  Queen Charlotte is one of those.  I read about it in a National Geographic article about the worlds best hikes that no one has ever heard of.

The Queen Charlotte Track covers 70 km that we plan to cover in 4 days (3 nights).  There is only 1 day that will really test us (and Pal) as it covers ~25 km (or about 15 miles).  There are established campsites along the way and we have arranged to have our bags transferred to each of our stops so we aren't carrying everything… except Pal.  Luckily he loves his pack and loves to point out all of the things he sees along the way.  It will be a great time for us all!

Hiking in Picton

More baby seals

We made another stop to see the baby seals again.

Van life isn't too shabby - Meatworks

Another freedom camping night at Meatworks surfing campground.  This life doesn't suck.

What is the cutest thing you've ever seen? Seal pups playing under a waterfall.

These baby seals waddle about a kilometer up a fresh water stream to this waterfall where they spend hours flipping, darting, and playing.  They are adorable!

Paia Point Campsite

We stayed at our first freedom campsite last night and it was amazing!  We camped right on the ocean and we were surrounded by the cutest little fur seal family!

The engine is fixed!

The engine is finally done and we are back on the road.  Our plan from here is to head north so we can hike the Queen Charlotte track before Matt heads back to the States in December.

Tonight we are staying at our first "freedom" camping site; a place called Paia Point Campsite.  This is a free (no charge) camping site with minimal facilities.  We aren't sure what to expect from these places but it's all part of the adventure.

Soooo we are sleeping in a parking lot

Our van is expected to be done in the morning so the owner of the mechanic shop is letting us "camp" in the parking lot.  We sure are a classy bunch.

The asshole engine.

Loser wine.

Pal goes to the park

Too much adventure in Akaroa

Our van is supposed to be ready tomorrow so hopefully we will be back on the road the following day. Pal (and the rest of the fan) has really enjoyed Akaroa but we are itching to get back on the road.  The plan is to try to make it up north to do the Queen Charlotte track sometime in the coming weeks.

Trail fun with Pal

Hiking in Akaroa

We went hiking yesterday to work off some stresses.  We are still stranded and waiting for the engine replacement in the van, so why not take advantage of the time.  Akaroa is a really beautiful place so we were happy to get a warm, sunny day.

Is that a lamb in your car?

Our van broke down!

So… the van broke down last night.  Despite having it checked out by a mechanic before we bought it, the engine overheated and left us stranded in the middle of the New Zealand country side.  So after we got the van to an overnight camping spot, I made dinner.  In the rain.  It's all just part of the adventure.

Sometimes you just need a nap

Pal slept through lunch.  At a restaurant. 

Pal loves his tractor

This kid loves anything with wheels.  Especially his tractor.