A few days at the beach...Abel Tasman NP

Abel Tasman National Park is situated on the northern coastline of the southern island. I had a few free days and needed a vacation from serious tramping, so I hitched a ride (5 rides, actually) up to the beach. Abel Tasman Coastal Track, which closely follows the rugged coast for about 4 days worth of walking, is one of NZ's "Great Walks," meaning you have to make reservations months ahead of time to stay in the huts along the way. Fortunately for me, there were plenty of campgrounds right on the beach!


The ocean all along Able Tasman is so incredibly shallow that during low tide a tractor pulls the trailered water taxi out to sea. We drove at least 1/4 mile before we hit water! At high tide you just use the boat ramp as usual.

There are lots of tractors.

The water taxi dropped me off at this gorgeous beach. Roll up your pants for the departure.

Low tide means golden sands.

The trail is a mix of winding up and down lush NZ forests and trekking across golden beaches.


Beach with shells instead of sand....


A close-up.

Backpacking on the beach!


View from the track as it meanders through the bush.


Very tropical.


That spit has about a dozen homes that are part of the park's private inholding. How sweet is that!?