One of the highlights of a visit to Nelson has to be a trip to nearby Abel Tasman National Park, which is one of New Zealand’s most stunning and accessible parks. It’s lined with golden sandy beaches, rich native bush and amazing turquoise coloured bays which just beg to be walked on or kayaked to.
So what are you going to do if you’re short on time but want to cram as much in to your Abel Tasman experience as you can?
Well, Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures and Kiwi Kayaks have teamed up to offer a great combo deal where you get to kayak, walk and sail in the national park, all on the same day. Wowsers! That’s a fun-packed day, if ever I heard of one.Yes indeedy it is, and definitely worth doing if you want to see the park from all angles. Starting with a two hour guided sea kayak tour with Kiwi Kayaks from Marahau near the track entrance, we moseyed (can you mosey in a kayak? Yes, I think you can!) past islands, sea caves and golden beaches to Watering Cove, where we had a leisurely lunch on the beach. As I said to my kayak guide, he most definitely has a lovely office!
From there, I was given a map, and as if stranded on a desert island, I had to navigate myself across to the other side where I would be boarding my sailing boat back to base.
But this was a lot easier than being stranded on a desert island, as it was a very simple to follow trail (with signs and everything!) which took me up and over the top of the island, with stunning views out to both sides. It was a fairly short 30 minute hike from Watering Cove to Anchorage, but if hiking’s more your thing (or tramping as it’s known to them Kiwi types), you could spend days walking the entire length of the track. It just depends how much time you have up your sleeve, or stashed in your sleeping bag, or wherever you chose to put your time these days
!So, after strolling along the beach at Anchorage, I met my skipper and fellow sailing buddies ready to board our vessel with Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures, via Pinnacle Island fur seal colony and the famous Split Apple Rock to Kaiteriteri.
I even got a chance to steer the boat, but as I soon found out it’s very easy to take your eyes off the horizon if someone is telling a good joke or amusing travel tale, so unless you want to be the one who everyone points the finger at and says that’s the one who got us lost, it sometimes pays to be on the ball!
But if lounging on the catamaran’s deck in the warm sunshine is more you thing, you can just do that. Yep, sit there and wallow in the joy of doing absolutely nothing. Bugger all. Diddly squat, if you would prefer. Because it’s entirely up to you how involved in the sailing experience you get. It’s definitely great fun getting behind the wheel, but if you’d rather just rest your weary legs from all that hiking, then just do that without feeling guilty, why don’t you! This Sea Kayak, Stroll, Seals and Sail is just one of six combo deals offered by Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures. Depending on what you prefer, you can spend more time walking, more time sailing, or split your day to pack as much in as possible. The choice is yours.
For more information Freephone 0800 46 7245, call 03 527 8375, email info@sailingadventures.co.nz , or visit www.sailingadventures.co.nz
Return coach transfers are available from Nelson or Motueka.
If you’re really loving Abel Tasman you can upgrade to stay the night in a floating backpackers. Now you don’t get to do that every day, hey?
Don’t forget to bring quick-drying clothes, swimmers if you want to go for a dip, plenty of warm layers, waterproof shoes, a small daypack and some water. And of course, sunblock and a hat.
Kiwi Kayaks also offer a range of guided kayak trips in Abel Tasman National Park, from a half day, full day to two and three day tours. For more information Freephone 0800 695 494 or call 03 528 7705, email info@kiwikayaks.co.nz or visit www.kiwikayaks.co.nz
Rachel stayed at Tasman Bay Backpackers at 10 Weka Street, Nelson. It’s a real home from home with a lovely cosy atmosphere. The best thing is, you get free breakfast with toast, cereals and tea and coffee, and every night they serve a yummy hot chocolate pudding with ice cream which is simply divine!
