Jali's Journey: Taking It Easy & Luminate festival

Since arriving in the South Island we have changed the pace of our travels somewhat and have been taking it easy: long stays at campsites and plenty of time for relaxing (if you can with Sam and Ben!) rather than rushing from site to site. We spent four days at a beautiful retreat-type place called 'Shambala', a place off the beaten track with quiet leafy camp spots and secluded lodges all set overlooking a peaceful view of the ocean. There meditation and yoga sessions available in the mornings too which Ali enjoyed. Jonny took his first yoga class which he thought was 'tough'! We met up with a Scottish family here (who we had met previously on the North Island) so it was great for the boys to play with their familiar 'old' friends Alba and Floyd. Hopefully the children did not spoil the peace and harmony too much...We actually stayed longer than we planned here due to a huge storm descending on the region: 24-hour rain and wind. It meant that the river passing under a low-bridge on the small track road to Shambala had swollen and become impassible. No one could enter of leave until the waters had resided. Even our eventual exit was hairy as we powered through the still high river waters. Shambala was just north of the hippy, eco-warrior town of Takaka, full of tie-died, barefooted backpackers. But it is a lovely town and was a good base to explore the local region of Golden Bay and the national park of Abel Tasman. We headed north to spend a few days near Wharakiki beach, to a lovely if windy, campsite close to 'Farewell Spit': the most Northerly tip of the South Island. The site had horses and peacocks roaming the site to entertain the boys
Wharakiki beach is supposedly NZ's most beautiful beach and indeed it is quite spectacular with sand dunes, roaring waves and impressive rocks standing firm in the ocean. We saw seals and seal pups here too, sheltering in the rock caves.

The small town of Collingwood back down the road was really sweet, proud with local history. We enjoyed a short stay here with a campsite beside a beautiful driftwood and shell strewn beach with a spectacular mountainous backdrop. Definitely one of our favourite beaches. Ali and Sam both had a haircut here, with Sam having a much needed smart cut. Ben's hair on the other-hand is still growing wild and free - much like Ben - although Ali did trim his fringe so that the poor boy can see where he is going.

Further down the coast at Pohara was where Jonny enjoyed an overnight adventure, hiking a circular section of the famous Abel Tasman coastal walk. He started the walk with a classic error, hitching a lift in completely the wrong direction to begin the walk. But thankfully he was able to hitch another lift back to the proper start point and begin his trek which took him along coastal paths high into the hills. The walk took him through stunning scenery, with photo stops around almost every corner. There was an overnight stay at the lovely old bunkhouse of Whariwharangi hut (full of other hikers and unfortunately a snoring man) and then a sunny morning of hiking across beautiful untouched beach coves before heading inland up 'Gibbs Hill' and then down again back to the coast to complete the circuit.

Recently, we have just enjoyed a week-long festival called 'Luminate' - one of the reasons we have stayed a while in this area for the festival to begin. We bought tickets after friends recommended it (Thanks Holly an Andrew) to us as a family-friendly event, and indeed it has been a joyful week for all. Luminate is an 'Earth-Friendly Festival of Music, Arts, Culture, Inspiration & Transformation'. But beyond some of the more hippy-cheese aspects of the festival (yes there have been didgeridoos and Laughter yoga), it has been a great week of music, interesting workshops, performances and fun. It was strange going to a festival where you weren't allowed to take alcohol but it actually seemed to suit the vibe of the event, plus there was a big eco-emphasis on 'leaving no trace' with no litter left behind, hopefully (ok,so we did sneak a few beers and wine in for a well-earned cheeky drink at the end of the day - surely one of the perks of being a parent right?) For the children, there has been plenty of play, learning circus skills, story-tellers, singing sessions and magic shows. All of this set in the magical surroundings of the Canaan Downs - hills and forests with some amazing starry skies at night. We made great friends with lots of other lovely children and families and it has been wonderful watching them all play together and share their toys, books and food (mostly!).

Monday 6th February marked the half-way point in our 6-month trip and now the festival has come to an end it is time to continue with our Zealand adventures and head further southwards.