Nelson to Motueka

Tuesday, 28 October

Really pleasant ride today. I rode from David and Ann’s house along the coast on the Great Taste Trail – a new trail that runs all the way from Nelson to Kaiteriteri, near the entrance to Abel Tasman National Park.

The 60km trail includes a short ferry ride from Rabbit Island across to Mapua, and then a nice ride into Matueka.

I'm doing pretty good with the selfies, yeah?

Along the way I stopped for a late lunch at Jester House Café and Tame Eels – a recommendation from my Warmshowers hosts in Wellington (they actually got married here!). It was a perfect stop. Kind of a homey/earthy/eclectic-feeling place (complete with a composting toilet and everything). I had THE most amazing potato smoked fish and pea hash with capers… I don’t buy meals often but when I do I seem to always order the right thing. Amazing! Washed that down with a pot of tea and a treat – I earned it, right?! Haha

The rain came at 4pm right as I was leaving lunch, and persisted for the next 8km into Motueka. By the time arrived there I was perfectly happy not to continue on to Kaiteriteri (another 14km) and instead went to my first backpackers hostel – the White Elephant (hmm… Rabbit Island and the White Elephant in one day… you’d think I was in Cambodia!). Really cozy place (as I type this I’m on a couch under a blanket by a wood fire!). Had some really great quality time with the Lord at night (there are always people around me to meet and talk with, so even when cycling alone it can be hard to find/make time for devo time), and had some good chats with some of the people staying here (most are here on working visas so are picking fruit and working in shops… I feel so OLD! Most of the people I meet are still teenagers on their gap year or just finished uni!!).

Nice to be in a warm place and warm bed tonight. J