Abel Tasman National Park

We drove through Picton, a very picturesque little village where the ferry from the north island arrives, to Marahau, the start of the Abel Tasman National Park. We stayed at a place called the Abel Tasman Guesthouse, or by the locals Heinrich Castle. The place was really nice with a lot of funny and different architecture. Heinrich himself was a very creative and philosophic person and we all enjoyed his company.

On our fist day there we walked from tonga bay to torrent bay, which is the most popular part of the walk and takes about 4 hours. The views were unbelievable, even more stunning than in the catalogues. The water was crystal clear blue/turquoise, the sand very white and all the plants and trees very green and well. We walked a little slow the first half of the walk so we really had to hurry up in the end which was not that appreciated by all. It is very practically organised for tourists as they have boat taxis taking you into the park and picking you up where you want so you can see the best parts and skip the not as nice ones.

The day after we kayaked from Marahau to Anchorage bay which was about three hour paddle time. We also had lunch at a very nice secluded beach. I was surprised at how well our parents coped with paddling.