Abel Tasman Coastal Walk

With the Stray Bus, we continued along the West Coast on the 17th, through Nelson to the edge of Abel Tasman National Park. Along the way, despite a 2-hour delay, we stopped at a filming location from 'The Hobbit'. Once again, it's about the river scene where the dwarves escape in wooden barrels. Apparently, the entire scene was shot at least two different rivers in New Zealand, as the beginning takes place near Taupo Dam on the North Island.

But that's just a side note.

The actual destination was Marahau, a small town that consists of two hostels. We arrived quite late, so I only set up my tent and had some dinner on the same day. There is also limited free WiFi (and water, by the way), so I went to bed early - I had to get up early the next day!

I took on the Abel Tasman Coast Walk, at least a part of it. Due to a combination of areas that can only be crossed at low tide and the departure times of water taxis, it would have been too complicated to walk the entire way. I can already say in advance that it was a good decision ;)

Abel Tasman is one of the Great Walks in New Zealand and spans 60km along beaches, up to Golden Bay (which is the bay where Abel Tasman originally landed, sent men in boats to the shore, and they were then killed and eaten by the Maori. The bay should actually be called 'Murderous Bay', but 'Golden Bay' sounds better).

The trail is very suitable for people who don't want to hike. There are relatively short stages and only a few meters of elevation gain (maximum of 130m) to overcome.
The trail mainly goes through New Zealand forest, already in the shade - I was very grateful for that because the region is one of the sunniest in all of New Zealand. According to the weather forecast, I also had to contend with temperatures near 30 degrees Celsius.
I must admit that was almost the biggest challenge. Especially in the afternoon, the heat became quite oppressive, so I aimed to finish the stage in the early afternoon.

Unlike the Queen Charlotte Track, I didn't have luggage transport this time, so I had to carry all my equipment. That's why I wasn't too sad that the trail itself wasn't too demanding because the weight on my back was already noticeable.
On the first day, it took me about 6 hours for the 25km, a pretty good pace, but then it was enough.

Along the way, you could occasionally catch beautiful views of the coast and beaches. But the highlight of the day was a swing bridge. I love those things!
I also never camped so well - with direct access to the sea and a view of the water, including the sound of the waves lulling me to sleep.

The second day was significantly shorter because after 14km, there is a spot that can only be crossed at low tide. But low tide that day was only in the afternoon, so I had a water taxi pick me up beforehand.
The ride was also the best part of the day. Our skipper clearly enjoyed intentionally tilting the boat in the curves to spray us with water.

Back at the camp, I had to repack all my things, eat something, shower, you know.
Tomorrow, the bus will leave early because we'll be heading about 500km down the West Coast to Franz Josef. Finally something other than hiking ;)

In direct comparison, I liked the Queen Charlotte Track better; it had more to offer and was slightly more challenging. Perhaps I'm more of a mountains person than a beaches and bays person. But that will probably be my last beach for a while, as the rest of the South Island isn't exactly known for its great swimming opportunities - but for many other great things :)

PS: The WiFi at the camp is, to put it mildly, not the best. I'm still missing a few pictures, but I'll upload them tomorrow right away! I promise!

So it's worth checking back again ;)