Short break in the top of the South Island

We took some days off and headed up north for a short break. After a beautiful ride along the East coast we arrived in Picton. The next day we walked the first part (Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet) of the famous Queen Charlotte Track (15km) in the Marlborough Sounds. Unfortunately is was a cloudy day which meant we didn't had the greatest views but it was still stunning. We saw many different birds including Weka, Robins and Saddlebacks (my book tells me). They are not afraid of humans at all as a Weka picked my finger (probably thought it would be an easy lunch) and a Robin was picking in George's boot trying to chase us out of his territory. After being picked up again by the boat and dropped in Picton we drove further to Nelson.
The next morning we had to get up early as we were supposed to be in Marahau (beginning of Abel Tasman National Park) at 8.15am. There we checked in and received our gear for the next two days:  a double kayak, paddles and life vests. It was still cloudy that morning but it turned into a beautiful day with perfect kayaking conditions. The first day we kayaked with a guide from Marahau along the coast up to Anchorage, about 12km. It was great to be on kayak again. We saw many seals with puppies on the way and occasionally also a blue penguin. We checked in on the Aquapacker (backpacker accommodation on a boat) later that afternoon where we enjoyed a couple of beers and a BBQ with the perfect view. Although the dorm beds are quiet cramped we were able to sleep quiet well, possibly due to being tired after a whole day of paddling and the rocking motion of the boat. After breakfast we were dropped off at the beach, collected our kayak gear and started paddling again. This time without a guide. We made our way further up north were we were picked up by a water taxi at 3pm to get a ride back to Marahau. Another perfect day - paddling and having a break on a random beach while having lunch - awesome! We finished a bit early and decided to head back to Christchurch the same evening. It's a 6 hour drive but as there is virtually no traffic and there was enough daylight to make it back it was an easy drive. This time we took the route via Lewis Pass, very nice scenery.
It was great!!!