Claverley

Sorry for not updating lately! Cell phone reception is poor here. The last week I've spent at Claverley, Snip and Antheas farm. They're really nice and I've had a great time! Getting here was kind of complicated though. Their farm is only about 10 km south of Kaikoura, right by the sea. But as state highway 1 was closed, due to risk of landslide after the rain, I had to take the inland road around. Luckily I had nice company :-) Here on the farm I've helped with shearing some sheep, butchering a deer that Jamie (Snip and Antheas son) shot, stacking bricks, setting up a fence, tearing down a fence and lots of other interesting things. It's been an experience to remember! 

Seals

Yesterday was a rainy day. But in the afternoon I joined a guy from the hostel and went for a walk on Kaikoura peninsula. We saw lots of seals. They were slacking around everywhere and didn't seem to mind us. Although we stayed the recommended 10 metres away from them.

Kaikoura

I've hitchhiked to Kaikoura. It's wonderful by the sea :-)

Hanmer Springs

Today I woke up in Hanmer Springs. I slept at the YHA Kakapo Lodge. It was pricey with 30 $ per night (I only stayed one). But well worth it. We were only three persons in my room and the hostel is very well maintained with great facilities and personally decorated. And the staff are lovely.
Although Hanmer Springs seems to be a tourist trap so I'm heading out into the backcountry again. It will probably be a while until I update again. Cellphone reception is scarce out there. And I'm loving it! :-)

Nelson Lakes national park

Sorry for not updating for a while! I was out in the backcountry without cellphone reception. From Saint Arnaud I walked south. At noon today I arrived at Boyle village. I was not eaten by sandflies (even though they did give it a good try) nor did I fall from a cliff into hard and grim death (also a possibility going down Waiau pass). The weather was amazing. Only yesterday evening did it rain and by then I was safe and sound in Boyle flats hut. I might write more about it if I feel like it later. Right now all you will get is a single photo:

This lake had the simple name Blue lake and is one of the clearest waters in the world.