Abel Tasman National Park

I did a lot of research planning for this trip.  Part of that research consisted of googling “New Zealand must see” or South Island must see”, and in some cases not related to this post, “New Zealand must drink”.  The Abel Tasman National Park was consistently on that list, and the best way to see Abel Tasman was via tour operator Wilsons.

We opted for the 3 day, 2 night walking and kayaking trip.  Here is our trusty walking guide, Lorrie, explaining the route we will be taking.

The nice thing about booking with Wilsons is they provide everything, from the water taxi, to food, to the lodging, the kayaks and associated equipment  They even provide backpacks and jackets if you need them.  All of the guides were very knowledgeable, professional, friendly, and obviously love what they do.

Fortunately, Wilsons gives you a small bag to pack your essentials for the trip, and they transport them to the lodges, so you only need the basics in your backback.  They will lock up your luggage and valuables in their offices so you don’t need to worry about losing anything by leaving it in your car.

Their bus took us from the little town of Motukea to Kaiteriteri, where we boarded their water taxi  for the voyage up the coast.  Our destination was the northern end of the park (Totaranui), which is about a 2 hour journey.  They packed us lunches for the trip, and it was WAY too much food.  You will not go hungry on this trip!  The water taxi’s have this long ramp they lower onto the beach so you won’t have any issues getting wet while getting on or off.  Getting wet comes later.

The first spot we passed was Split Apple Rock.  Can’t understand why they call it that??

The hike along the Coast Track from Totaranui to Meadowbank Homestead Lodge is 7km.  That’s another of our guides, Rob, on the right.  One of the few Kiwi’s working on this trip.  Just like Lorrie, he is full of knowledge, funny and super friendly.  This seems to be a New Zealand thing!

During the boat ride it starting raining, albeit not too hard.  That rain would continue throughout the rest of the day and most of the next day, but it kept us cool as we hiked.  We started out with jackets on but the first ascent had us quickly sheding those.  We never wore them again.  Typical overpacking!

This is a typical view along the coast track as you walk through the forest.  Once again we are reminded of Hawaii, which would be a common theme on this trip.

Lorrie stopped to point out this amazing Kahikatea tree, the largest one he has seen in the park.  The vegatation growing part of the way up the tree is known locally as a “widowmaker”, as they can easily fall off if somebody is trying to cut down or climb the tree.

The trail meanders through the forest and ends up on numerous beaches, most completely empty.

The greenery is everywhere.

We got lucky at Meadowbank Homestead, and ended up with the best room in the place.  The below is the view from our window.

BTW, the food in both lodges was very good.  They also have a huge selection to choose from to pack your lunch for the day.  Again, you will not go hungry on this trip!

Day 2, more rain, and we are going to be kayaking, so we decided to wear our swim gear.  It was a good choice, even if we looked like we belonged by the pool instead of on the trail.  We hiked about 6km before getting in the kayaks.

This wall of green is just breathtaking.

Another beautiful empty beach.

Very wet Petersons.

Out on the kayaks.  It finally stopped raining.

Our new friends from Chico, CA, Dan and Sue.  Looking forward to a wine trip with you guys in the near future!

Taking a breather before heading into the beach and Torrent Bay Lodge, our home for the night.

On Day 3 we hiked from Torrent Bay to Marahou, about 12kms.  A decently long hike, but not too much in the way of elevation change.  The start of the hike had us crossing an estuary at low tide.  The tidal range here is up to 6 meters, so this estuary would be a long swim at high tide.  Wearing water shoes or sandals is a must, as there are thousands of shells along the way.

Our group walking across at low tide.

Yet another beautiful view.  We lucked out with perfect weather on our 3rd day.

Definitely reminds us of hiking in Hawaii.

Towards the end of the trail.  The wind was really picking up at this point, but at least it’s not raining!

The end of the trail….pretty much.  Just another half a km to the bus.

I highly recommend this trip!  The New Zealand bloggers who said this was a “must do” were correct.  Our trip was fully booked, so plan well in advance!  Here is a link to Wilsons Abel Tasman site.

A bit of history.  The park is named after the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who was the first European to reach New Zealand in 1642.   Tasman’s ships anchored off of Golden Bay, just to the northwest of where Abel Tasman National Park is today.  The Tasman Sea and Tasmania are also named after him.

Next up, Collingwood (Golden Bay) and Farewell Spit.