Day 1: Our fourth NZ Great Walk was the sunshine drenched Abel Tasman coastal track; a fairly gentle 55km route along the pristine coast line, visiting golden sandy bays with crystal clear turquoise waters - a wonderful way to wind down after the party in Oz.
Heavy packs on the first day; our first time carrying food and supplies for a five day trip!
The track was constantly ascending onto cliff top saddles, allowing for glorious views out over the ocean.
Our first day ended on a high... looking out over anchorage bay.
Day 2: We left the packs in the hut and speedily (light as a feather without the bags) undertook a 1.5 hour side trip to a deserted beach, what a way to blow away the cobwebs!
A fair amount of the tramping was along the beach. Although flat, after 5 hours walking, the sand sure did drain the energy from our legs...
... Dave tried to walk on the harder wet sand but a few times ended up with wet feet (chump).
Day 3: The third day continued to impress - the colour of the water was ridiculous!
We stepped out the walk to ensure we saw Awaroa estuary before the tide went out - well worth the effort:-
... It also allowed us to top up the sun tan with a spot of sunbathing once we had dropped off our bags.
Each evening after dinner we went for a stroll; with the tide out the sand flats were intriguing.
Day 4: Our longest day of walking with nearly 7 hours on our feet, we enjoyed continued brilliant sunshine and spectacular deserted bays.
At every beach we would ask the question "where is everyone?"
Mel decided to cool off in the water - this however was a seal doing the same :-)
In the afternoon the wind picked up, it almost felt like being back in Devon... almost!
Day 5: Our final day was a four hour grunt up and down a steep hill to meet our water taxi and get back to civilisation; the magnificent vistas were a suitable end to a truly Great Walk!
In the distance the Kahurangi mountain ranges were visible - the destination of our next Great Walk just after Christmas!
Any coast and beach area in Europe remotely similar to that would be backed by hotels and effectively ruined. What a fantastic walk again! Where will you be spending Christmas?
ReplyDeleteWow yet another outstanding few days of walking. It makes you wonder why we decided to come back to England to live all those years ago! It's great to see you having such a wonderful time on those deserted beaches and looking so fit and healthy. Miss you both. Mum xxx
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning.......I can't imagine how beautiful this was to see it with your own eyes!! It was lovely catching up with you both today.......sorry for the lack of make up and hair styling.....you're lucky I wasn't in my ownsie (courtesy of a secret Santa present!!!) ;) happy Christmas for tomorrow, lots of love, C xxx
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