AbelTasman National Park

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February 14th 2011

Published: February 16th 2011

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Heather BS

Beach by Greymouth

Sunset time Notice - noone on beach - coolish No one in water

Staying at the BOOT was amazing. Beautiful gardens and a fairytale setting.
Lovely local wines, quiet setting, not much internet and no TV so we had to relax .
then onto Abel Tasman and kayaking.
Started off early to where we met the groups and water taxis. Noticed that of all the other kayakers, the next oldest pair seemed to be about 20 years younger than us, or more. Feeling a bit apprehensive.
However. we ventured off. Proved not to be a problem at all. W.e had to wait for them
They have a neat way of dealing with water levels with the tides.
They have water tractors - Ford and David Brown tractors to tow the motor boats (water taxis) already laden with passengers and gear, out into water deep enough for the boats to take off. On return the motor boats just pul right onto the boattrailers waiting in the water and the tractors pull boats and passengers up onto dry land.

Kayaking - Water taxi took 9 of us to the north end of the park where the marine reserve is and seal colony.
We loaded up on the beach into the kayaks(a tandem) and headed over

Waves at Greymouth

to the large island reserve. Took some pictures. Lots of baby seals and moms and dad sand LOTS of cormorants.

Used lots of sunscreen frequently so I did not get sunburned. Did you know they make SPF 100 !
Did I mention the lovely sunburn I got riding?

Was very careful wearing long sleeves, hat etc - forgot my hands. For days I looked like I was wearing little red finger mitts - the backs of my hands were fried. Still reddish.

Anyhow - Abel Tasman has wonderful sand beaches, interspersed with rocky ledges.
many different kinds of sand. Some very coarse pinkish sand with lots of shells - some very fine powder.
Finally went in swimming. Water was cool - like Georgian Bay in June, warm enough for Canadians to go swimming!

Did not see anyone else swimming.
water was quiet in morning but waves grew to about 2 - 2 and a half feet by afternoon. At least the waves were mostly going the same way we were.

WE are now on the Inter-Island ferry to Wellington.
off to see Kiwi tonight I hope.

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