The Aquapackers is small, with only 16 beds, which, apart from the one double cabin, are the original tiny crew bunks: six of them are crammed into one of the lower-cabin areas where me and Lisa slept. It's a cosy arrangement, meaning you have to stay on fairly good terms with your roommates! - i can't imagine sleeping there night after night and living in such a tiny space, as the original catamaran crew must have done! There's a kitchen area, sofas, a table, and a dining area on the upper deck with an honesty bar. The other guests are mostly german and italians, with one honeymooning Engish/Kiwi couple.

It was so hot that I grabbed my swimming stuff (relegated to the bottom of my backpack one the rain started in the morning) and jumped off the boat into the cold clear sea. Then it seemed about time for a glass of wine and some sunbathing on the deck before the two-man crew served dinner, spicy veggie pie, salad and bbq. It was probably the most 'pampering' I'll get on my whole trip, so I figured I'd enjoy it! The day ends with some of us sitting at the back of the boat, watching the sun drop behind the mountains, lulled by the lapping of the sea against the hull. Ahh....

The next day's walk was easier, with bright blue skies and hot sun. Lisa and I walked the last bit of the track together, stopping at a bay for lunch, before finishing with a absurdly easy (someone was actually pushing a pushchair along it!) track into Marahau.

written by  LizIsHere on February 19, 2010 from Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
from the travel blog: New Zealand & Australia 2010
Send a Compliment

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Hello Elizabeth,Diana here. It sounds as if you are having a wonderful time. I am really enjoying reading your blog--I feel as if I am there as well, you describe it all so well.
I am afraid there is no card for you this year but I just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday. Make sure that you tell people and they can share the celebration with you and it will not be so lonely!
I am sure that you will. We will be thinking of you.
We are in the middle of trying to sell the House so could have a new address by the time you return--hopefully!!!!
Take care and stay safe
Love from us both, Martin and Diana x
Granny is fine -no change on that front.

written by  Diana Taylor on February 25, 2010

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