Trip to the Abel Tasman - just 04/05/2008
 We decided to have a drive up the coast to the start of the famous 'Abel Tasman National Park' the other day. The road goes as far as a small place called Marahau then stops - after that its just fully sign posted, very groomed, walks all the way up to the top of the South Island and Fairwell Split. The only way into the Abel Tasman park is either by boat (or kayak) or by foot with up to 200 backpackers a day starting the walk in high season. I think it takes about 6-8 days to go to the top of the track and back by foot but the most popular way around seems to be by a mix of water taxi, kayak and foot. Some of the main reasons for going is the beautiful native scenery, quiet sandy beaches, swimming with seals and dolphins (and sharks no doubt since seals and dolphins are their favorite grub), fantastic snorkeling and scuba and phosphorescent (look it up Mat) seas at night. Since we had the boy in tow we couldn't venture to far along the trail but we did do a quick 45min loop followed by a lovely scallop salad, cake and coffee at the brill little cafe in Marahau - all the fun, none of the effort. Next summer we will definitely head deeper into the park for a few days, hopefully by boat. |