Abel Tasman National Park

We hope you had a great Thanksgiving. We wrapped up our exploration of the Golden Bay area and arrived at Kaiteriteri on Dec 1. This is the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand's smallest but most visited park. We have enjoyed good weather so our 2 day hike on the park track was quite nice. We also did a little kayaking to get another view of this beautiful place.

A different kind of hiking. This was the way to Whararangi Beach near Farewell Spit. "Wh" pronounced "F"

Highlight of this beach along with caves and interesting rock formations.

Along the Abel Tasman Track between Medlands Beach and Awaroa.

Sometimes the trail is boardwalk to protect the wetlands. New Zealand flax is in full bloom now.

Between Awaroa and our boat pick up at Totoranui we had a tidal crossing. It took about 40 minutes including taking boots on and off. We had to time it within 2 hours of low tide. The trail went through forests over headlands then down to the beach for short walks on the sand.

This catamaran picked us up at Totaranui Beach, made a quick stop at Awaroa Lodge where we had stayed the night for our luggage, then we enjoyed a 2 hour cruise the length of the park back to Kaiterteri.

Shoreline of the park.