11/02/2023 Abel Tasman National Park
What to expect
Abel Tasman National Park
Always running late
After the market in the morning we had to hurry a bit (oh surprise) to catch our boat in time.
Take a water taxi
Our water taxi was leaving at 10.30 a.m. in Abel Tasman National Park and we got there just in time.
You can choose different spots where you want to get out. For some – now unclear reason – we chose the point that is the farthest away from the starting point.
See the Split Apple
We hopped in the water taxi on land which was carried by a huge tractor. It was quite the unique scene how the tractor went down the ramp into the ocean where it drove through the water with its thick tires and us on the back in the boat. Once the water was deep enough, the tractor released the boat and we were ready for our first “point of interest” in the water: the Split Apple.
Beautiful scenery
After a quick photo stop from the boat, we drove up north to our final destination: Bark Bay. Only when we arrived at the final stop, we found out that the majority of the passengers either stayed the night at this campsite or took the water taxi back to the starting point in the afternoon. It seemed as if we were the only ones that hiked all the way back: 20 km – here we go!
Hike the coastal trail
However, the entire hike was stunning! At one point a bridge was closed off due to some recent mud slides. So the only way to get to the other side was through the ice cold water. Well, I guess this was part of the adventure.
Closed bridge 
Detour
Are we there yet?
Some hours later we managed to get lost. This should have been obvious when our path was going further and further away from the coast (we were doing the “coastal walk”). But we still kept going.
Luckily, it led back to the right track eventually and made for a fun detour.
The most beautiful sight
36 000 steps and seven hours later we made it back to our campervan, which could have been the most beautiful sight that day.
However, it only became second. The very best thing we saw that day was the warm (!) shower at the kayak shop, which someone had accidently forgotten to lock. And again, it’s the small things we appreciate so much on the road 😉.
Dinner time
Feeling like completely new people after the shower, we drove to the waterfront where we set up our camping table in front of a park bench and got out our crackers, antipasti, hummus, veggies and wine.
The sun was just setting behind the mountains, the sky turned purple and we couldn’t be happier (and more tired at the same time) after another incredible day in New Zealand.
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Loving the story so far
Loved hearing all your adventures and the magnificent photos! Keep on travelling as Rick Steves would say. Looking forward to more pics and blog.