Nelson, but not Colne!

There's a saying that everyone in the world wants to live in New Zealand and that everyone in New Zealand wants to live in Nelson but maybe that's a rumour that is being spread by the Nelson Tourist Board! However, despite some scepticism from some folk we'd talked to, we had a really enjoyable 3 nights staying in this port city on the northern tip of the South Island. We'd actually go as far as to say it was even love at first sight for two main reasons. Firstly, our Airbnb place was just immaculate with lovely views over the city and the bay. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, we were within a few minutes walk from the Nelson based brewery pub the "Sprig and Fern". Not only did this great little pub serve 18 craft beers, but it served food (including fish and chips!) via the next door takeaway. You simply went next door, placed your order then went back to your pint to wait for your order to be brought in by the takeaway staff! Guess where we spent our first evening?!

The wonderful pub/takeaway thing aside, we then had 2 great days in the city. Day 1 was a beautiful walk from near where we were staying up the hillside to a summit they call the "Centre of New Zealand" because, quite simply, it is! This afforded great views over Nelson and the port.

Our final day was spent walking on Tahuna Beach and around the marina followed by a museum visit in the afternoon, due to an unusual weather front - RAIN - only our third experience of this in 5 weeks! However, our spirits weren't dampened and we left Nelson to head for Renwick in the Marlborough wine area with a great fondness for this great little city. We might add that, despite what you might be thinking about where we spent the remaining 2 evenings in Nelson, we did actually do a bit of culture, the theatre (to see an Australian production, "Caravan") and the cinema ("10 Cloverfield Lane). We might also add that both productions were truly awful and we wished we'd gone to the pub!