03/01/2018 - Abel Tasman

It has been one of the most beautiful experiences so far on our journey, kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park. We started today in light rain and 22°C, but as soon as we were on the water, it cleared up and we had the most wonderful weather for our tour.

Our guide Darren first instructed us on kayaking. Then we set off from Observation Beach and paddled up to 20 meters, approaching some untouched islands (Adele Island) where the sea lions were rolling and sunbathing on the rocks. One on its back, the other on its belly, a mother with her little one, which they usually give birth to in December. We were also able to observe cormorants and other birds.

We were able to rest and swim extensively on Fisherman Island. Darren told us a lot here about the history, geological development and settlement of New Zealand. Unfortunately, with a lot of slang, so we had to interpret a lot. The Abel Tasman Park is a beautiful place here, with golden beaches, turquoise water, rare animals and plants - like in paradise.

The name of the tour expresses it so appropriately: Soul Food.

For the last stretch, Darren rigged a sail to two paddles, and so we 'sailed' back to the beach. With a light tailwind, we weren't the fastest but the 'coolest'.

It is also exciting to watch the boat management on the beach. The taxi boats are not boarded by the tourists in the water, but already on land. Pulled on a trailer by a tractor, you are then driven across the road and onto the beach, deep into the water, so that the boat hangs directly from the trailer into the water and sets off. Incoming boats drive with momentum directly onto the still moving trailer, and it's all done with such speed that it's worth seeing. On arrival, we thought they were selling tractors here, because there were so many lined up ;-). Since the season here is only from October to April, no time is wasted now.

One more comment from Darren regarding our expressed concerns yesterday: 'they already married for twenty years and they manage to kayak, wow!' Yes, we're wondering too.