Connecting with Nature, People and Animals | New Zealand
My favorite parts of our journeys are the connections we make. Traveling through the northeastern tip of the South Island of New Zealand was a memorable experience connecting with nature, people and animals. Our first connection in this area was with our hosts Steve and Carol at the Treehouse Hideaway in Cable Bay.
Nestled in the trees right above the beautiful Cable Bay, this little hideaway was a peaceful and tranquil stay. Once again our Kiwi hosts went above and beyond. Steve and Carol were so kind and helpful giving us great tips on hikes in the area and providing a delicious home cooked breakfast each morning with fresh ingredients from their garden.
Breakfast on our private balcony overlooking sunrise on Cable Bay.
The bay got it’s name because New Zealands first overseas cable link opened at here February 21, 1876. The international telegraph established a connection via telegraph wire which meant communications to Europe took only four days instead of up to six months for letters.
We took a great hike into nature and through the farmlands on the Cable Bay Walkway with panoramic views of the bay and the Tasman Sea.
The hike is a bit of a climb, but worth making for the spectacular views.
Looking out at the Tasman Sea.
The tides come in and out of Cable Bay, which is really cool to see from the amazing view above. Here the tide is just coming in to fill the bay.
The sheep are a little apprehensive and don’t let you get too close, but this one seemed very curious about us. Wonder what he’s thinking?
The sheep are a little apprehensive and don’t let you get too close, but this one seemed very curious about us. Wonder what he’s thinking?
We found fresh tomatoes on our door step after our hike straight from Carol and Steve’s garden – sweet and delicious!
Relaxed and rejuvenated we said goodbye to our new kiwi friends and set out for more adventure. We weren’t far down the road before we had our next animal encounter. You never know what you’re going to see around the next corner and since there are more sheep than people in New Zealand, it’s very likely you’ll see something like this.
Most of the farmers saw had four wheelers and dogs to help herd the sheep. The dogs were so intent on the job at hand, it really was something to see.
We stopped in the charming town of Nelson for lunch. It’s is a beautiful little town full of history, art, and great food.
Christ Church Cathedral, Nelson, is the principal church of the Diocese of Nelson. The Maori name for the hill on which the Cathedral stands is Pikimai, which means “come up hither” Services have been held on Church Hill or Piki Mai,since 1842.
A highlight for me in Nelson was connecting with an incredible man and artist – Mike Ward. From the moment we walked into his shop and saw the signs next to his work – please touch – I knew I would like him. It was a pleasure watching him work in his shop with his son Jonty, and I love my necklace he made including the personal note he wrote on the packet.
I so agree with everything Mike says on this poster hanging in his shop.
gilding the lily
I know that this planet is quite remarkable and that people have a great capacity for good and that there is little point in doing anything that does not leave the world kinder, gentler, more generous, safer, healthier, wiser, more gorgeous and more fun. I know too that there is nothing that is worth doing that is not worth doing with flair and embellishment and while I am not unaware of unpleasantness or the threats to our well being, I try not to dwell on the unpleasant for they depress me greatly and it is creativity and courage and beauty and generosity that delight … So I spend my time reflecting on what matters how things work and how good the future might be and making beautiful stuff in the hope that my understanding and my aspirations will be reflected in the things I make and do. And I hope the things I do and make have integrity, that they will delight and occasionally inspire and that my community and my planet are no less gorgeous, fun, caring, quirky and occasionally outrageous for my efforts. ~ Mike Ward
We don’t often do tours, but were so glad we chose a one day Wilderness Guides kayak and hike tour of the Spectacular Marlborough Sound. The sea kayak tour through the Marlborough Sounds in the western arm of Queen Charlotte Sound went from being wonderful to jaw dropping when a pod of about 20 dolphins starting swimming and jumping all around us. The were jumping right next to and swimming under our kayaks. The images on my GoPro don’t do it justice – amazing experience!
Our kayak tour ended at Davies Bay Campsite where we headed out on our own to hike through the bush on a part of the Queen Charlotte Track. The track passes through lush coastal forest, around beautiful bays, and along skyline ridges with incredible views of the Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte sounds.
Because we had spent so much time with the dolphins, we had to keep moving on the 11 km (7 mile) hike to reach Mistletoe Bay in time to catch the 4 pm water taxi.
Mistletoe Bay
We were completely wiped out by the end of the day, but it was so worth it! If you ever get a chance to visit the Marlborough region I highly recommend this tour!
We left this area of New Zealand with so many memorable experiences connecting with nature, the people, and animals. It was all wonderful, but the highlight for me was definitely the dolphin encounter. What’s your favorite wildlife experience?
