Kayaking in Paradise

Image courtesy Abel Tasman Wilsons Experiences The Abel Tasman near Nelson on New Zealand's South Island may be our smallest national park but I think it's the most beautiful. And if you're a kayaker, I can think of no better place to start paddling. The waters around the national park coastline are crystal clear - a cliche I know but in this case it's true. There are numerous ways to explore Abel Tasman National Park and one of the best is to do a combined guided walk and kayak adventure. That way you get the best of land and sea with an experienced from the Abel Tasman Wilsons Experiences team, who have been opertaing in the area for over thirty years. www.abeltasman.co.nz

Too Good to be True?

Image courtesy Abel Tasman Wilsons Experiences

Never!

This is exactly how the beautifil Abel Tasman National Park looks. It may be the smallest of New Zealand's thirteen national parks but the Abel Tasman is the most beautiful in my view. Regardless of the time of year you visit, this oasis of pristine, golden sand beaches and unbelievably clear turquoise blue waters at the top of the South Island is stunning. It's a miracle of nature. And thankfully, there are numerous ways of exploring the park - trekking, cruises and best of all, kayaking. The Wilson family pioneered tourism in Abel Tasman National Park back in 1977 and since then they've gone from strength to strength. Now Abel Tasman Wilsons Experiences offers visitors a wide variety of terrific excursions. They can arrange walks on the Abel Tasman Track staying in their own accommodation lodges; they'll take you on a boat cruise; or they'll let you loose in sea kayaks with an experienced guide who will introduce you to the bounty of wildlife. If you've never visited the South Island before, the Abel Tasman is a MUST VISIT. www.abeltasman.co.nz

Barry's Provocative Unpublished Minutes - 20

"The Installation - Turning the Tables."

And here we are at our 20th wonderful inkjet print from our favourite New Zealand printmaker - a little artistic levity as we flounder our way towards the weekend.....

Vote for the Abel Tasman!

Awaroa Lodge & Abel Tasman National Park. Pix Supplied.

Who wouldn’t fall in love with a secluded upmarket lodge in a setting as perfect as this? Nestled into what is undoubtedly one of our most beautiful ‘crown jewels’ – the Abel Tasman National Park – Awaroa Lodge was voted Best Hotel in Eco Tourism at the 2005 New Zealand Tourism Awards. Everyone who visits this chic lodge falls in love with it – and with the surrounding park. Noted for its exceptional beauty, the Abel Tasman is all about crystal clear turquoise waters, golden beaches, sandy estuaries, limestone and marble formations, beech forest, a stunning 2-3-day walking track and sublime kayaking conditions. And now the park itself has been nominated for an award – for the 2008 World Travel Awards as Australasia’s Leading Beach. If you’d like to vote for the Abel Tasman, head straight for www.worldtravelawards.com/vote. The Australasian award winners will be announced in Sydney on June 10th. And to see more about the very beautiful Awaroa Lodge click on www.awaroalodge.co.nz