The Abel Tasman Coastal Walk
Trip Start
Sep 05, 2007
1
59
71
Trip End
May 01, 2008
Abel Tasman National Park,
South Island,
New Zealand
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
We had stayed the night in Motueka before getting a ride out the next morning to the park. We opted to take a water taxi out to the far end of the park and do the 3 day, 2 night hike back along the coast.
We all tented, which I was sceptical about at first, but it all worked out quite well. I didn't have a mat, and had a bloody cold underside, but the freedom to camp at a more remote site was well worth it. The trek is about 40 kms and follows some amazing coastline. The trek comprises a number of beach sections as well as inland sections.
After landing we found and "absorbed" a lone traveller named katy. The estrogen-testosterone ration of our group was somewhat worrisome, but there wasn't too much trouble along the way, not that I could have done anything about it. I do have to admit that I had to take off and wander alone for a while to regain what little bit of sanity I have. In groups like this it's always "open season" on the lone male.
About halfway back was a series of pools and waterfalls called Cleopatra's pools. One of the waterfalls formed a sort of natural water-slide. Nikita, Sara and I jumped at the opportunity. The water was freezing, and I somehow managed to go down head first, adding some bruises to compliment my already tattered feet (terrible blisters from the dolphin swimming fins). I also ripped a chunk off of my finger and Nikita lost a piece of jewellery. Acceptable losses.
I spotted an sweet shoooting star the first night the trip. It was the most amazing one I've ever seen, lasting a few seconds and lighting up the sky. Perhaps this is a sign of good luck?
My ride back to Motueka was courtesy of a couple of Finnish fellows and marked my first hitch-hike of my New Zealand trip. I think they only pulled over because they saw Sara with me, but she stuck around to catch a different ride with Nikita. Haha suckers.
Hitching in New Zealand is pretty safe. Probably one of the only places in the world where it is still so. Obviously you've gota use common sense, as there are some creepy people out there. But let's face it, I'm not nearly as pretty as Sara or Nikita, and I kind of doubt anyone's going to try to take "advantage" of me. That being said, they are 10 times as likely to get a ride.
