Making the Most of Motueka

Six folk, seven days…and all eager to make the most of Motueka. Mixing and matching activities was easy – Marianne and Willi won the ‘most active’ award with long demanding bike rides up into the hills, an all day trek at Abel Tasman Park and a long explore of Nelson’s museum, cathedral, high hills and ice cream store – the Penuino. Jean and David explored the nooks and crannies of Motueka…small shops, churches and neighborhoods, and Eric and Helen had long visits with friends and family.

It was ‘memory lane’ time for Eric. Friday, a visit with Robyn and Graham Venning at their home high in the Richmond Hills was a wonderful trip down ‘memory lane’. Graham and Eric grew up in Christchurch and began their careers at the NZ Tourist Board. Waves of laughter followed stories of boyhood antics.

A mini high school reunion, Saturday, took us further down ‘the lane’. Cecil and Nancy Wong flew down from Auckland and others came from nearby Nelson and Picton ‘Christchurch West’ gathered at the Gregg’s home above Stephen Bay– and five alums went back in time. High School ‘masters’ tolerated no shenanigans…and Eric shared his story of misdemeanors at the school’s Tuck Shop. In the evening, Cecil and Nancy joined the Rosenbergs and McFs for dinner at the RSA – a national service organization that honors veterans.

Sunday, it was lunch with Auntie Joy and her family. West Coast relatives and summer days with them are among Eric’s favorite memories of growing up. It was a treat to spend a long afternoon with them. Auntie Joy – at 92 – is sharp as a tack…and her daughters made clear she has a determined mind of her own – perhaps a family trait? Before departing, Eric ‘visited’ the llamas in the paddocks. Alpaca anyone?

Monday, the Rosenbergs and McFs headed to Collingwood and the Farewell Spit…the northern most strip of the South Island. Heading north, the road bordered the Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks and then hugged the Golden Bay coastline. We stopped at the beach in Collingwood for a ‘cuppa' tea beneath a towering Pohutukawa tree – a holiday favorite that flowers red by Christmas.

Off again, we drove to the Farewell Spit and trekked through paddocks to the sand dunes. The sand was hot hot and the beach wide and fabulous. “First toes” defined the water as icy…but no matter to Dave and Eric, they plunged in with gusto and a seal later popped his head their way to check out ‘the visitors’. Soon it was time for a beach picnic and the drive back.

Tuesday, we all headed to Marihau and Kaiteriteri….Marianne and Willi, ever fearless, on their bikes…and the Rosenbergs and McFs by car. Long winding roads took us to an access point to the Abel Tasman Park and on to the beach at Kaiteriteri where families relaxed, and played – and David and Eric swam.

It’s our last afternoon in Motueka…David and Eric are fishing at the wharf, and there is a ‘back up’ plan of salmon from the market. It has been a wonderful week.