After a thoroughly enjoyable time in Golden Bay, it was back over the Takaka Hill and on to Mapua, near Motueka and Nelson.
Our accommodation was at a delightful 2 bedroom cottage near Mapua wharf, we we had in fact stayed previously. It is called Ferntree Cottage, and we would recommend.
Our friends Cameron and Maria Rodgers live in nearby Tasman Village, so we will enjoy catching with them. They have a spacious section with wonderful gardens, and a cottage on the property, which they rent out. Tasman Cottage is an excellent option for this area.
We decided to play the Greenacres Golf Course, which is actually on Best Island, near Rabbit Island. Being a Sunday, it was very busy, so we only completed 12 holes. However, from what we played, very pleasant.
Nelson and surrounds have many Art and Craft galleries and shops, and we bought a very nice Glassart Vase from Flamedaisy. We then visited the Suter Art Gallery, which has on display Colin McCahon, Ralph Hotere, Toss Woollaston and Rita Angus works. We also purchased stainless steel Arum Lillies and a Kiwi made from forks and spoons from Forest Fusion at Mapua Wharf.
Dinner that night with Cameron and Maria, and the next morning a drive to Picton, and the ferry across Cook Strait to Wellington.