2021 - Nelson & Tasman, NZ (Part 2 - Kaiteriteri)

Into Abel Tasman National Park.

Monday 22 March 2021 - Thursday 25 March 2021
View 2021 Nelson + Abel Tasman on nzhamsta's travel map.

Monday 22 March

The day started with the long drive back out from French Pass to the Rai Valley, through the outskirts of Nelson, through the centre of Motueka (with a stop for coffee and a walk around the shops) to Kaiteriteri. This on the edge of Abel Tasman National Park and is the centre for all the activities in the region.

We checked into the motel and then had a walk to the beach. Not very warm at all.

Little Kaiteriteri Beach.

Dinner was at a very good restaurant in Marahau.

Tuesday 23 March

A lazy day booking various trips, and back into Motueka for some shopping.

The parking garage at Kaiteriteri Beach.

Looking along Kaiteriteri Beach.

Wednesday 24 March

We caught the morning boat along to Awaroa Bay. This beach had been crowd funded to purchase it and gift it back to the nation. It is a beautiful stretch of beach and is on the Abel Tasman Coast Track. The only way into the beach is either walk in via the track or by boat. The boat is used as bus service for all the communities along the coast line as there are no roads into them.

Heading out on the boat.

Split Apple Rock.

The seal colony near Kaiteriteri.

Moody photo of the national park.

Interesting geological formations.

The only way into Awaroa Bay.

The Abel Tasman National Park walk way.

There are a couple of lodges at the southern end for the hard core walkers to stay in or for day trippers to have a gentle walk and a leisurely lunch. Due the sloping nature of the beach, the boat can only pull in 500 metres along the beach.

The beach at Awaroa Bay.

Weka at the Awaroa Lodge restaurant.

Paddling at Awaroa Beach.

The beach at Awaroa Bay.

Feeding the seagulls.

Thursday 25 March

An early start to do some kayaking along the coast line. The boat (bus) took us along to Torrent Bay where the company had a lodge. We suited up, had some lessons (especially on what to do if we tipped over) and set off heading north along the shoreline. There were two couples and the guide.

Kaiteriteri.

It was good exercise but a bit choppy. We were feeling a bit queasy so we pulled up into Sandfly Bay for a rest and lunch. The other couple also stopped and we had a good chat (he being a Scottish journalist).

Kayaking in the Abel Tasman National Park.

We turned around and paddled back to Torrent Bay and a hot coffee at the lodge. In all we paddled about 8-10km. Didn't think it was that far but the guide was certain it was.

Dinner was at the Riwaka pub.

A fine selection of beer.