Paul and I arrived on Sunday, January 27th from Nelson via SH 60. Small headwind up the coast through orchards of peaches, apples, grapes, olives, and anything else that grows on trees. Spectacular coastal views along the way...but no way did it compare to what lie ahead in Abel Tasman.
Abel Tasman was a Dutch explorer that landed in these neck of the woods back in the day. As Paul puts it, "New Zealand should actually be Nieuw Zealand - which means new sea land in Dutch." Ah, it's great to be married to someone with such knowledge. Abel Tasman National Park is a unique environment accessible by land and sea, bounded by golden beaches,granite rock headlands and the deep blue waters of the Tasman Bay. Set on a backdrop of mountain ranges covered with sub-tropical native New Zealnd rainforest, it is home to hundred of species of birds, marine mammals and sea life. Overall...absolutely amazing! Oh, did we say that already?
Local kayak companies work in conjunction with local water taxi companies to make Abel Tasman National Park accessible along the coast. We chose a one way freedom kayak hire through a local company. Here's the plan: Kayak on Jan. 28th from Marahau to Anchorage Bay. Drop kayak off and hike to Tonga Quarry on Jan. 29th. Hike out to Awaroa on Jan. 30th to meet water taxi for ride back down to Marahau. The Department of Conservation has campsites throughout with local huts as well. You have to make prior arrangements before camping at these designated spots...or else! New Zealand is known for public hangings for any breech within their lawful system (no trial included). The locals especially love the public hangings when it involves a tourist. In fact, we witnessed one right off the plane in Auckland. They're very strict...be very careful if you're considering visiting NZ! Of course you're reading right through this, eh?
Okay, so how could we possibly explain the grandeur of Abel Tasman except through pictures? It is definitely a place to see and experience. Paul and I would sit on the golden beaches where we camped, read our books, watch the tide go out, follow the sting rays along the shoreline, view the sunsets, and then watch the stars make their marks in the sky...and then wish we never had to leave. It was truly spectacular. We didn't see any Dusky dophins or penguins but we did see fur seals, sting rays, and kawau (NZ's version of the cormorant).
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