Abel Tasman National Park

Wednesday, 29 October

When I booked my trip into Abel Tasman National Park last night the company said they cancelled all kayaking trips for the next day due to the terrible weather forecast. So I went with a long boat ride along the coast of the park and a drop-off for a 10km hike and pick-up later in the afternoon. As it turns out, when I woke up the weather was sunny - of course! ;)

Heading to the water taxi in the morning.

Above is "Split Apple Rock" - speaks for itself.

Beautiful coastline - the camera really doesn't capture it!

An hour into the morning boat ride, however, the NZ weather decided to show what it's made of. Storm clouds blew in from the west over the mountains and the winds picked up. I was glad not to be on a kayak at that moment..!

The boat took us all the north up to Totaranui, and then went back south again and at about 11am dropped myself, along with a few others, off at Medlands Bay. From there I hiked along the coast with a sweet 18-year old German girl, Jasmine, 10km to where the boat again picked us up at Anchorage Bay. It was a really nice walk through the green forest - took about 3 and a half hours - and the first half of that it rained like crazy.

Managed to take a couple rain photos without the lens getting too wet...

Right when we got to a beach area the sky started to clear. We literally watched the blue sky come in and push the clouds out.

My hiking campanion, Jasmine, on her gap year.

Grandpa and Grandma, took this one for you. Not sure what kind of bird it is, but was quite pretty... ;)

I love these giant tree ferns!

At the end of the hike the weather converted back to clouds and rain. I'm no longer surprise by this and can now confirm that when Kiwis say the weather in NZ can change in an instant, it's 100% true. I can't imagine the grief weather people must suffer in this country...!! :)

Beautiful day in the park - I would love to do more of this trail someday!