Today we travelled from the North Island to the South Island, taking a Bluebridge ferry from Wellington to Picton.  We then drove about 4 hours northwest to Abel Tasman National Park.

Abel Tasman is the Dutchman who originally discovered New Zealand in the 17^th century, although he was prevented from landing on this coast by the original inhabitants who weren’t so keen for his company. But his name is everywhere today, from The Tasman Sea, to the Tasman Bay, to the town of Tasman, to the National Park.

The Park is in the northeast corner of the Island, and runs along the Tasman Bay.  Supposed to have the best kayaking in the world, so that’s our plan for tomorrow.