Hiking on the Abel Tasman Coast Track in New Zealand

Hiking on the Abel Tasman Coast Track in New Zealand

hiking on the Abel Tasman Coast Track, either as a day hike or as a multi-day passage path, should be on every New Zealand series route

New Zealand is a country that is used to collecting praise. Few experts will deny that it is one of the best hiking countries in the world. It is one of the 10 happiest countries in the world and was awarded one of the best countries for a visit in 2018 by Lonely Planet

The well -kept coastal path is located in the Abel Tasman National Park, named after the Dutch seafarer Abel Janszoon Tasman, the first known European to reach New Zealand during his trip in 1642.

The hilly path lined with golden beaches and lush coastal bush nestles nestles over a large part of its 60 km on the coast. We hiked a section from Anchorage to Bark Bay on our G Adventures Tour on the South Island.

We started our hike after a night on board Aquapackers in the quiet bay of Anchorage. In the morning, after an extensive breakfast on board, we landed on the picturesque beach to start our hike. We took the somewhat longer all-deal route so that we do not have to calculate the tides.

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It was late summer and the days were warm, so we wanted to use the morning and avoid the midday sun. We had expected to cope with the 12.4 km long section in a long time than the conservative Doc proposal of four hours. However, we had not expected to stop every five minutes to enjoy the wonderful landscape.

From the beach we entered a dense, lush beech forest that is decorated with huge Kānuk trees. Just a few minutes later we appeared in an opening on the ridge of a hill. There we found the first of many wide views.

I knew that the South Island was famous for its Tolkien-like landscape of rugged mountain peaks, large glaciers and steep fjords. I hadn't expected protected golden beaches that are lined with calm aquamarine water and dense, lush forest.

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The Abel Tasman Coast Track is a gentle addition to New Zealand's rough landscape. Here are countless ways to go down to a beach on the side and take off the hiking shoes for a bathroom. The water - even at this time of year - is invigorating, but inviting.

We continued on the well -marked path - in and out of the forest, hopped over streams and then crossed a walkway over the pool of the Tregidga Creek, where the motionless water reflects the green green of the surrounding forests. We also crossed the 47 m long suspension bridge, which spans the case of River, which caused another change of wallpaper.

Soon we reached Bark Bay, a pretty beach on a country strip lined by trees, which is flanked on one side from the bay and on the other side by a tidal mouth. Here we relaxed in the sand and ate our lunch with the toes in the water.

We ended our morning as it started: soft sand, calm water and a profound calm.

kayaking in the Abel-Tasman National Park

Our travel route included an afternoon by kayaking on the water from Bark Bay to Marahau. Kayaking is a perfect way to take the stress off your feet and see the national park from a different perspective.

The water here is protected by the small islands on the horizon and so our trip was peaceful and quiet. On the way we saw several fur seals (also known as Kekekeno), which in the afternoon sun on the rocky shores.

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Many of the islands along the coast are protected, so kayakers have to keep a respectful distance from the coasts so as not to disturb the wildlife. Kayak drivers (and motorized ships) must remain 20 m from Tonga, Pinnacle and Adele Islands and Robben on other coastal lines. Near the area between Awaroa Bay and west of Abel Head it is 50 m. Our kayak trip was led by Marahau Sea Kayaks, which were very concerned about emphasizing the importance of compliance with these guidelines.

When we drove gently back to the beach of Marahau, Kia (again) took a break from paddling to look at the landscape and take a few photos.

"Welcome to New Zealand," she said and turned to me with a smile. And what a greeting.

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hike

The Abel Tasman Coast Track is a one -way street that can be hiked between Marahau and Wainui in both directions. Water taxis or kayaks can be used to get back and forth between the places to interrupt the days or if they only want to go certain sections.

The hike on the Abel Tasman Coast Track as a continuous hike usually takes three to five days, with being fed on the way or staying in huts on the way. The DOC manages four huts and 19 campsites along the route, which have to be booked in advance all year round. You can find more information on the Doc website, where there are details about accommodations, fees, water taxis, kayaking and even a visitor app that you can download for your visit.

The times given below are quite conservative and leave a lot of time to take pictures and admire of the lush view.

*The hike on the Abel Tasman Coast Track includes a mandatory crossing between Awaroa and Whariwharangi Bay. Consult a tidal plan if you organize a hike.

hike on the Abel Tasman Coast Track: The most important

what: hiking on the Abel Tasman Coast Track as part of a 15-day South Island tour with G Adventures.

Where: Accommodation on the tour comprises 14 nights in simple hotels and hostels, including a farmstay and one night in a former prison. Some accommodations had joint baths and bunk beds. If you are a couple, raise this when booking so that you have a double bed if possible.

When: The best time to travel for New Zealand is SEP-APR. Summer (December to February) offers excellent hiking weather and a variety of festivals and events. The temporary seasons autumn (March-Apr) and Spring (SEP-Nov) have nice weather, fewer crowds and lower prices.

like: We are the Abel Tasman Coast Track as part of a 15-day southern island tour of G Adventures at a price of 2,149 GBP or $ 2,792 per person (depending on the date) for a 15-day trip from Wellington to Wellington.

The travel route leads, among other things, through the Abel Tasman National Park, Franz Josef and Queenstown. The price includes a continuous chief experience officer (CEO), a simple breakfast and several meals as well as numerous activities such as hiking, kayaking and cycling. Optional activities include parachuting, bungy jumping, canyoning, via ferrata and glacier hikes. For more information or bookings, call 0344 272 2040 or visit gadvures.com.

We flew from Great Britain via Singapore and Australia to New Zealand. Book flights at the best prices via Skyscanner.

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disclosure: We traveled to New Zealand with the support of Lonely Planet and G Adventures. All publications say that, but we really don't guarantee positive reporting. We say what we think - good and bad - so that you can make well -founded decisions with honest advice. .