The day dawned bright again and after breakfast and a final look at the bay, we retraced our steps back to Kaiuma Bay.  We had felt a bit dubious about repeating the track rather than continuing north on the trail, but the logistics of getting the minibus to the other end were too great and we were told the track was not that good.  In fact, it didn’t feel repetitive and the trail through the forest, with different perspectives, was still beautiful. Everyone was going well and it seemed no time before we were back at the van (although it was 5 hours).

On the way on to Nelson we stopped at an unscheduled swimming spot at a bridge over the Pelorus river, which was known to one of our guides. Fantastically clear water flowed through a bit of a rocky gorge with deep pools. It felt so refreshing in the cool water after our hike. 

Then the jumping began again….First from the higher rocks, then from the bridge –  a terrifying 20m above the river.

In a bit of a testosterone fuelled competition, both the guides did the jump and then one of our fellow travellers.  I could hardly bare to watch and I jokingly threatened David with divorce if he dared it – which he did not; but they all came out alive! After everyone had cooled off literally and metaphorically, it was back on the minibus for the last hour to Nelson. 

This town is supposed to be the sunniest place on the South Island.  Here the guides left us to have a day off tomorrow to do our own thing. It felt a welcome break not be part of a group with the day pre-ordered for us.  On the other hand, it had been great not to have to think about or decide anything for ourselves for a week!