Nelson is located on the northwest end of the South Island. Nelson has the sunniest weather in New Zealand, which helps ripen the sauvignon blanc grapes that have made nearby Marlborough a global wine mecca. To the west of Nelson is Kahurangi &  Abel Tasman National Park. Nelson City has a population of 50,000. Today's temperature was a beautiful 26 degrees.

We went into town and walked the streets. The town was beautiful and trees lined the footpaths. The houses were mainly built from white cladded timber. 

Today we flew in a helicopter over the Abel Tasman National Park. The view was the best we could of hoped for. The water was crystal clear and a beautiful aqua blue with white sandy beaches. We landed on private property and stopped for lunch at Awaroa Lodge, we had local Sauvignon Blanc and local smoked fish and shellfish. Awaroa Lodge cannot be accessed by road and you need to travel to it by boat or helicopter or trek in. It is popular with backpackers and visitors looking for a quiet, remote location. When we arrived back at the airport the helicopters were immediately going out to assist in some water bombing at a fire that had just started. Next stop Wellington as we say a goodbye to the South Island which has been nothing short of spectacular.