Blogs from Abel Tasman National Park, South Island, New Zealand, Oceania
New Zealand - Wellington and Able Tasmin – The end of the North Island and it was straight onto the South Island and what a place to start.
Published: May 11th 2012Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Abel Tasman National Park » Marahau
April 14th 2012
New Zealand – Wellington and Able Tasmin – The end of the North Island and it was straight onto the South Island and what a place to start. After finishing a very demanding trek at Mt Doom the next morning we were all on our way to Wellington where we would stop for just one night before catching the ferry to the South Island to a place called Picton, however we would not be stopping in Picton other than picking up a new bus for the beginning of the South Island tour. The first stop on this tour is Albe Tasman which is known for its spectacular coast line, beach’s, treks and its scenery so I was eagerly anticipating good things to come. As mentioned above sadly I only had a few hours to look round ... read more
A Day in the Abel Tasman National Park
Published: March 19th 2012Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Abel Tasman National Park » Kaiteriteri
March 17th 2012
Sat in bed first thing and watched the sunrise. Early breakfast and the motored up to Kaiteriteri to pick up water taxi service to take us up the coast to Bark Bay where we got of to commence our treck back to one of the other beaches. Some very steep sections and a rather long ravine bridge that Janet had to be coaxed over. A few hours later we arrived at Torrent Bay where we relaxed in the brilliant sunshine to await our water taxi, which we had to wade out to as tide was not up high enough for it to get close.... read more
The Abel Tasman Triathlon, extreme eating in Dunedin and other adventures in NZ
Published: March 12th 2012Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Abel Tasman National Park
February 26th 2012
Having lived in the nearest big town to the Abel Tasman National Park for nearly five months it was about time I got out there and actually explored it! I decided on a rather energetic day trip into the park to try and see the highlights. Our trip started with a water taxi ride out to Bark Bay in the middle of the park. On the way we had photo stops at Split Apple Rock (looks quite a bit like it sounds), and the islands to see seals and pups basking on the rocks. Afterwards we were dropped on a pristine stretch of golden sand squashed between the sea and a calm, clear lagoon. As we padded across the sand towards the track up through the forest the sun came out and turned the sea all ... read more
Abel Tasman National Park and the West Coast
Published: February 19th 2012Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Abel Tasman National Park » Marahau
February 18th 2012
We drove along the northern coast of the south island to get to Abel Tasman National Park. We had some time to kill when we got there, so we decided to go...SKYDIVING! Well, it wasn't a totally spur-of-the-moment decision, we had planned on doing it somewhere in New Zealand. This seemed like the perfect place, with mountains, Carribean-blue coasts, and a overal great views of both the south and even the north islands. It was an awesome experience. The views from the plane were great, and we went up to 16,500 feet. Briana jumped out first- "ladies first", Brian said. The guides were great at making you look at all the cool things and Briana's even let her "steer" the parachute for part of the way. We have photos and a DVD we'll share when we ... read more
Kayaking and Kaiteriteri
Published: February 17th 2012Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Abel Tasman National Park
February 13th 2012
Up early-ish, and it’s farewell to Rodney, the Dane and DLT as I’m moving to a nicer all girls room tonight at the same hostel. I headed off around the coast to the Abel Tasman national park. My first stop was Kaiteriteri, a beautiful little beach resort, voted by readers of the Guardian (aka the likes of Graeme Le Saux) to be in the top 10 beaches in the world. On this occasion, the Guardian is not wrong. It really is a stunning place. The tide was coming back in, and a little lagoon had formed where I thought I could soak my sandfly-wrecked feet. I sat down, and relaxed. That was until I felt a sharp pain on my big toe and looked down to see a leech attached to my skin! Ripped the thing ... read more
New Zealand - Wk 4
Published: February 5th 2012Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Abel Tasman National Park
February 5th 2012
New Zealand – Wk 4 Monday 30th Jan A comfortable night was had in our little wooden hut and we woke to a fine sunny morning. No hurry to get up today so morning tea was taken whilst in ones pit finishing off a very good book and talking to family on Skype. Once up and had breakfast we walked into Hanmer centre and found the Spa building along the main street. In we went and purchased entry to the Spa pools and half hour each in a private Sauna all for the sum of $63.00. We realised after we had left later in the day we were charged for only one of us, it should of been $126.00, oh well, Snooze you lose. The complex is made up of ten or so small to medium ... read more
Kaiteriteri to Kaikoura
Published: February 10th 2012Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Abel Tasman National Park » Kaiteriteri
February 4th 2012
Heading out from my digs at Tapu Bay towards Christchurch for the final leg of my adventure. Stopped along the way at a winery to check that I hadn't deleted all my vacation pictures! Big whoops! Thank god they where still there! Stopped to see some surfers and the seal pups at Ohau Lookout Point......stayed at the Lobster Hotel......what a hoot and had supper at the Lobster Hotel Restaurant.......Cy's would kick their ass!... read more
Abel Tasman Hike from Bark's Bay to the Anchorage
Published: February 15th 2012Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Abel Tasman National Park » Marahau
February 3rd 2012
Took the water taxi to Totaranui to see the coast of Abel Tasman. It dropped me off at Bark's Bay for a hike to the Anchorage......beautiful scenery........I was able to cross from Torrent Bay to the Anchorage at low tide.......ferry ride back to Kaiteriteri beach.......awesome ferry system here.......don't even have to get your feet wet!... read more
Kayaking Abel Tasman
Published: February 4th 2012Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Abel Tasman National Park » Marahau
February 2nd 2012
Kayaking Abel Tasman Park today.....started out in Marahau with Abel Tasman Marahau Sea Kayak Company........my instructor, Hanna, was brilliant.......a pretty thorough briefing on safety, etc., turned out to be essential! The seas where from the south which meant they are not calm! Every picture you see on a brochure or magaizine is bullshit! lol......anyway, went from Marahau to Observation Beach....didn't seem far...........again, bullshit..... came ashore on a beautiful beach called Stillwell Bay......success and great sandy beach........launched, again success.........came ashore for the second time on Observation Beach........holy shit......huge waves and rolled it......quickly took me under and swamped the kayak......dragged it to shore and started "sea water removal".......giggle time........what a hoot........after that experience wondering how the hell to get off this isla... read more
From Picton to Kaiteriteri
Published: February 4th 2012Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Abel Tasman National Park » Kaiteriteri
February 1st 2012
Driving Day...........drove from Picton to Nelson and then to Kaiteriteri............just outside of Abel Tasman National Park. Spent a bit of time on the beach in Kaiteriteri, explored the area and then found a great deal at a B & B in Tapu Bay at Mark Taylor's house.........great guy with lots of stories........he's definitely a country boy..lol.......but a gem.......every night I stay the room gets cheaper......he is waiting for me when I return from a days adventure.....what a hoot!... read more
