Abel Tasman beach scene
Isolated beaches, sandy coves, tree-studded ridges where a waterfall’s trill competes with the call of the bellbird and tui – this is New Zealand’s Abel Tasman National Park on the South Island. Hikers choose from two tracks. One leads inland up forested slopes beside granite outcroppings. The other and more famous, Abel Tasman Coast Track, alternates between golden beaches and lush rainforest.
For adventuresome baby boomers, hiking the entire Coastal Track takes 3 to 5 days of easy hiking with nightly stays in huts and campsites. Purchasing a Great Walk Ticket reserves your place.
If you don’t have the time for an extended backpacking trip, take a day walk. That’s what Alan and I did.
First, we enjoyed a smoked fish with avocado salad lunch at Park Cafe in Marahau. Then, our guide, Robert Panzer, drove us to the parking lot of Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi where we boarded our ride. The boat, complete with passengers, was attached to a tractor that pulled the vessel down the road and into low tide. Once afloat, the boat zipped through the water depositing day hikers and backpackers at various stops in the park.
Rainforest canopy
At Apple Tree Campsite, the boat backed towards shore, the captain extended a ramp and off Alan and I walked without getting our feet wet. After admiring the beach, we found the path that climbed a hill to the beginning of the two-hour trek through a misty peacefulness back to Marahau. Waterfalls rushed into gurgling streams, birds darted through the thick tree canopy before curves in the path presented us with dramatic sea views.
Next time, we’ll try kayaking for a different look at one of New Zealand’s natural treasures. To read more about our walk visit Donna’s trip blog.
Have you hiked in Abel Tasman National Park? Post a comment. I’ll be going back someday.
