Thu 28 Jan 2016 - Abel Tasman Park
Last night we fell asleep to the the patter of rain on the van roof. It continued through the night and we awake to a wet and gloomy day - not at all like the forecast. Checking the latest forecast indicated it would improve later on so we took our time getting ready and driving the short distance to the entrance of Abel Tasman national park.
The park encompasses an area of coast with bush covered cliffs sheltering many sandy bays with the only means of access via a coastal footpath or the sea. We’d thought to hire a kayak for the day but with our late start and the fact we’d already kayaked in Fiordland we opted for the footpath. Our attempts to catch a water taxi along the coast failed so we set off on foot in the light rain wearing waterproofs, shorts and sandals.
The easy, well formed track is VERY popular with tourists but it seemed as though the rain had deterred them today as we met very few others on the way. After rounding a headland we found a little track down to one of the beaches and walked along the shore around the next headland hoping we’d be able to find another way back to the track. Fortunately at the very end of the next beach, as it met a cliff, there was a small gap in the bush with just such a track. Lucky.
As we proceeded further the rain stopped and the air started to warm so shedding our waterproofs we made our way down a steep track to another beach for lunch. In no particular hurry we tarried there a while before rejoining the main track.
A short while later the clouds cleared and the sun came out and with the humidity now high we were glad to be in the shade of the bush. Rounding the next headland we saw a long sandy beach with two small islands just offshore, an inviting spot. We quickly made our way down there, shed our shirts and lay in the sun for what seemed like a short while. Checking our watch we found we’d been there quite some and now needed to get back quickly, as we’d called Glenn’s cousin David earlier to arrange to meet them in Nelson on the way through this evening.
The sign said the return journey should take 1h 55m but we only had 1hr so we set off in a brisk march, something we’ve not done since retirement, with only brief stops to retake photos of some of the views in sunshine. Reaching the car in just over an hour we sped off on our way.
With quick in/out showers we got to Nelson bang on time and set about finding The Free House, a real ale/craft beer pub converted from an old church. We drove up and down the road twice with no luck so parked the van and asked a passing girl, “100m on the right” she replied in a french accent. After a short way we met David and walked the short distance to the pub, which was set back from the road with just a small sandwich board sign to announce its presence - no wonder we’d missed it.
The garden was full of picnic benches, all crammed with youngsters enjoying the sunshine. Inside the brightly coloured building were more packed tables and the place had a real buzz to it. Making our way to the bar we were faced with a large selection of beers, complete with tasting notes, even three real ales from pumps - heaven. A short while later Sarah joined us and we chatted about our day and enjoyed the beers.
We’d planned to take David and Sarah out for dinner however, it was decided to go back to their lovely home to make homemade pizza. David is the NZ national coarse fishing champion (indeed 4 times no less!) and he educated us on the finer points of fishing whilst we admired his large collection of trophies. Both Sarah and David are getting in to golf so over dinner we all shared golfing techniques and tips, except for Glenn that is.
With the offer of the lovely comfortable bed and the prospect of a great shower in the morning, we didn’t resist and hot footed to “our room”.
Last night we fell asleep to the the patter of rain on the van roof. It continued through the night and we awake to a wet and gloomy day - not at all like the forecast. Checking the latest forecast indicated it would improve later on so we took our time getting ready and driving the short distance to the entrance of Abel Tasman national park.
The park encompasses an area of coast with bush covered cliffs sheltering many sandy bays with the only means of access via a coastal footpath or the sea. We’d thought to hire a kayak for the day but with our late start and the fact we’d already kayaked in Fiordland we opted for the footpath. Our attempts to catch a water taxi along the coast failed so we set off on foot in the light rain wearing waterproofs, shorts and sandals.
The easy, well formed track is VERY popular with tourists but it seemed as though the rain had deterred them today as we met very few others on the way. After rounding a headland we found a little track down to one of the beaches and walked along the shore around the next headland hoping we’d be able to find another way back to the track. Fortunately at the very end of the next beach, as it met a cliff, there was a small gap in the bush with just such a track. Lucky.
As we proceeded further the rain stopped and the air started to warm so shedding our waterproofs we made our way down a steep track to another beach for lunch. In no particular hurry we tarried there a while before rejoining the main track.
A short while later the clouds cleared and the sun came out and with the humidity now high we were glad to be in the shade of the bush. Rounding the next headland we saw a long sandy beach with two small islands just offshore, an inviting spot. We quickly made our way down there, shed our shirts and lay in the sun for what seemed like a short while. Checking our watch we found we’d been there quite some and now needed to get back quickly, as we’d called Glenn’s cousin David earlier to arrange to meet them in Nelson on the way through this evening.
The sign said the return journey should take 1h 55m but we only had 1hr so we set off in a brisk march, something we’ve not done since retirement, with only brief stops to retake photos of some of the views in sunshine. Reaching the car in just over an hour we sped off on our way.
With quick in/out showers we got to Nelson bang on time and set about finding The Free House, a real ale/craft beer pub converted from an old church. We drove up and down the road twice with no luck so parked the van and asked a passing girl, “100m on the right” she replied in a french accent. After a short way we met David and walked the short distance to the pub, which was set back from the road with just a small sandwich board sign to announce its presence - no wonder we’d missed it.
The garden was full of picnic benches, all crammed with youngsters enjoying the sunshine. Inside the brightly coloured building were more packed tables and the place had a real buzz to it. Making our way to the bar we were faced with a large selection of beers, complete with tasting notes, even three real ales from pumps - heaven. A short while later Sarah joined us and we chatted about our day and enjoyed the beers.
We’d planned to take David and Sarah out for dinner however, it was decided to go back to their lovely home to make homemade pizza. David is the NZ national coarse fishing champion (indeed 4 times no less!) and he educated us on the finer points of fishing whilst we admired his large collection of trophies. Both Sarah and David are getting in to golf so over dinner we all shared golfing techniques and tips, except for Glenn that is.
With the offer of the lovely comfortable bed and the prospect of a great shower in the morning, we didn’t resist and hot footed to “our room”.
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| The view from the famous walkway |
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| Drizzling but not at all cold |
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| Kayaking is very popular way around the Golden Bay |
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| Our run back in the sunshine |
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| The Freehouse pub |
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| Sarah and David making the delicious pizzas for dinner |
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