A Perfect Day Trip: Hiking Abel Tasman
/Rediscovering my love for New Zealand.
I've always been told that I'm extremely lucky to come from NZ, that it's such a beautiful country. As a proud kiwi, I've always lapped these words right up. But did they ever truly sink in?
For me, it's only since I've spent a significant amount of time away from my homeland, that my appreciation has developed. It's been almost 5 years since I made the move to Sydney. During that time I've often popped back across the ditch to Auckand, to spend the weekend catching up with my family. More often than not during these quick visits, I've not ventured any further than my favourite local hangs.
Have you really explored your own country? Have you appreciated it from an outsider's perspective?
Earlier this year, I found myself living in Auckland for 6 months. It was not preplanned, I returned because I simply had to. And I remained to be together with my family, during our time of grief. I soon settled into a routine and when I saw cheap flights to Nelson, I hatched a plan to visit my dad and finally explore a part of my country I'd never been to.
That sweet spot at the top of the South Island.
The beautiful Tasman region is home to the smallest, most visited national park in New Zealand. The Abel Tasman National Park is easily accessed by a short water taxi from Marahau. What you'll find there is the perfect combination of coastline, beaches and bush.
While the whole track can be accomplished in 3-5 days, you can enjoy a snapshot of what the park has to offer in a day trip. If you are short for time, the section from Medland to Anchorage offers the most variety.
Break up the multi day journey, staying at the doc huts . For a day trip I recommend Wilsons, who will coordinate your water transport to match your walk. If you are debating what trip tp do, simply give them a call and they will tell you all of their recommendations.
The water taxi in itself was a great way to see the coastline and get up close to the seals. Visiting the park in the cooler off-peak season meant we shared the track with very few people. I would revisit in the summer, so I can take advantage of the bounty of swimming opportunities.
