Abel Tasman Coastal Track
Views through a cave at Watering Cove on Abel Tasman Coastal Track - Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Region, New Zealand
In this set of posts and upcoming southern summer, I have something for beach lovers.
In the upper left corner of the South Island, there is a hidden paradise. Yes, I’m talking about Abel Tasman NP, the smallest of New Zealand National Parks, where one can find some of the most pristine and scenic beaches in New Zealand.
Obviously, next to hiking and tramping, the biggest activities in the park would have to be sea kayaking. Hiring a kayak or taking a guided tour on kayak will enable you to explore hidden gems of the park together with small pristine beaches often unaccessible on foot.
The area of Abel Tasman NP carries suggestions that this land has been occupied by indigenous Maori people for some 800 years but it’s been named after Dutch explorer Abel Tasman who is considered to be the first European who made in 1642 contact with this area.
This image of the golden beach at Watering Cove shows the pristineness and beauty of this park, which truly is a mecca for not only New Zealanders but holiday makers from all around the world.
Last night on Heaphy…
Golden tussock lit up by afternoon sun and Gouland Downs Hut on Heaphy Track, Kahurangi National Park, Nelson Region, New Zealand
Carrying on on Heaphy Track, we’re going to spend last night in Gouland Downs Hut – hut with an atmosphere. Aptly named after an area of Gouland Downs, this hut nestles right next to the densely in moss covered bush which after dark echoes with kiwi calls. It’s not uncommon to hear kiwi fossicking in night for food in bush behind the hut or even to spot them. I love this place!
The area of Gouland Downs is braided with rivers, streams and creeks, its karst terrain is covered with golden tussock which literally lits up when hit by afternoon sun and the native forest next to hut hides many caves and caverns to be investigated. There is so much to explore here that one would need to spend much more time here than only one night.
From photographical perspective this is paradise. With so much on offer, you’ll be hard pressed to put your camera down. I walked this hike twice and can’t wait to get back for more!
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