🇳🇿 South Island Adventure: Nelson & Beyond

We started our day early with a sea kayaking trip—under a crystal-blue sky with endless freedom (and endless arm aches!). Paddled from the coast to Split Apple Rock, where our guide helped each kayak snap a photo. From afar, the rock looks swimmable—up close? Only for Olympic-level swimmers! 🌊 🐟 Salmon Fishing Detour Headed north toward Wharariki Beach, but got sidetracked at a salmon farm. Instead of buying pre-packed fish, we: Borrowed gear: Rod + net + cooler (the rod was taller than me!). 🌅 Caught 2 salmon: Rules said "no throwbacks"—so we had them prepared three ways:✨ Sashimi (with ice packs for later). Hot-smoked: Garlic & herb (sweet + savory!) > natural woodsmoke > spicy (forgot the name 😅). Verdict: Fun to try, but the fish was lean—maybe the farm’s style? ⛰️ Pit Stops 🧗 Paines Ford: Cliff-jumping hub—watched daredevils plunge into the river! 💧 Pupu Springs: Even bluer than North Island’s Blue Spring! Underwater bubbles + glittery sand = magical. Once a swimming/diving hotspot, now closed due to pollution. Sad but stunning. #NelsonNZ #SouthIsland #NZAdventure