Abel Tasman to Takaka

I left Nelson a little less than one week ago and I am now in the town of Collingwood, the most northern town on the South Island. I just did a four day tramp across the Abel Tasman Track which, should you ever have the chance, you must do! It is the most beautiful tramp that I have done and probably ever will do. It is just perfect endless beaches and gorgeous bush with relatively few people around. I also saw a manta ray and a fur seal off the coast of one of the beaches; you can see dolphins if you are lucky!
Then I moved on to Takaka which is the coolest little town I have ever been to. I wish I had a couple of weeks to spend in the region! Takaka is a town that is mostly made up of earth friendly sort of folks and a few dairy farmers from the country creating an awesome mix. The Village Theatre plays newish releases from all different countries (especially France!) and they have giant cushions to lay of the floor and watch the movie whilst sipping a mug of coffee from the concessions. Also, in Takaka is an awesome bike shop called The Quiet Revolution. Its been open for about 10 years and is in a building from the late 1800s. The owner is a bike commuter and generally an awesome guy to talk to. I wonder if I could get a job there if I hung around in Takaka long enough...
At any rate, now I am in Collingwood and getting ready to start the Heaphy track tomorrow with my friend Aleah from Auckland. This track goes out to the west coast and has a tendancy to get lots of rain, but Im home the good weather I have had so far will hold out for the next five days.
And now, some photos to convince you that need to do the Abel Tasman track. Oh no! the stupid mac wont let me upload photos! It just uploads code! grrrrrrrr.... well youll all have to come over and look at photos in December I guess. This is lame!