New Zealand Day 13: Arthur's pass to Nelson

Woke up around 9 and had our stuff packed up and out by 10 (usual checkout time here) went to the grocery store and picked up pie for breakfast. (Mine was chili cheese matt went with a steak) and a couple chicken basil wraps for lunch and were on the road. 1 hour to Arthur's pass to do some hiking and then 4 hours to nelson to check in for two nights and relax on the northern beaches of the craft brew capital of the country.

Made it to Arthur's pass through a lot of windy roads parked and did two waterfall hikes (punch bowl falls and bridal veil falls) before heading on our way. Skipped the north west side of the island as we wanted a few days in nelson to relax in the sunshine before heading home.

The drive was pretty boring and long. Stopped at buller gorge and did the longest swing bridge in the country at 101m. Hiked around the small island and then back on the road. Found numerous places in nelson with vacancy so tried to book one near the town center. Paridiso backpackers and motel or was. 270nz$ for two nights (about 100$usa/night) but the room had air conditioning!!!!!! Our car mind you has worked and gotten us this far-- however it doesn't have air. So the hot and ozone free sun rays make it unbearably hot during our 4+hours of daily driving. Anyway, checked in for the ac going and went to the free house pub for a pint and ended up buying dinner -hamburger and Rueben there. Took awhile but our food finally came and. Was gone in. I time as we were starving. Went to Vic's Mac brewery which was just a pub that only served Mac beer. Had a pint and chatted up with the bartender a bit. Then back to our room for some much needed sleeping in and not having any alarm set whatsoever. Tomorrow: center of new Zealand hike, queens garden exploration, and beach day!