And the temperatures on the rise again up to 28*c by afternoon.

We have now been away 5 weeks and in NZ over 4 weeks and there’s loads more to see.

We wanted to explore the Sound areas around Havelock.

At Havelock we found a nice bakery to stop at. Lovely breakfast sandwich.

We looked around the town and then hit the road. We aimed to go to Tennyson Inlet.

We travelled along a delightful valley and then began to climb steeply. Again we found the road steep and windy as it led  over the mountain and down to the other side and the inlet. We travelled 10kms along this road.

We finally came to the start of the inlet with boats and a few jetties and homes. The water was a beautiful turquoise blue and very deep.

There was a walk signposted to Pipi beach. Great we thought lets go along to the beach.

We walked up the side of the bay through forest mainly rainforest with chirping insects.

It took about 15 minutes steady walking each way it was 1km.

We were amused to find the smallest beach we’ve  ever been on. It was at the bottom of a steep path down the hillside. About 3 metres wide and about 20 metres long! We sat down on dirty dusty sand that doesn’t rub off clothes and shells. The views were wonderful though. I could see all along the forest just dipped into the sea and this really was the only bit of a beach anywhere along.

I hope you like the photos, we saw a painting of a Tuatara above a shop in Havelock.

These animals are still in remote areas of south island.( Up to 30,000 )  90% live in the Marlborough Sounds on islands. They thought they were from the iguana family but now its been found they are from before the dinosaurs. They live 80 to 300 years. So some living now were there to see captain cook arrive! They are 50cm long and the most primitive reptile in existence .They were alive before the dinosaurs so before 220 million years ago! They have a third eye on top of their head. Thought  my 4 little grandchildren would be interested and Anona and Lily.

Lots of love from me xxxx