Adventures in Abel Tasman

Nelson is a small little town, nestled in the top northwest corner of New Zealand’s South Island.  On the circuit of my trip, it was the jumping off point for my foray into Abel Tasman National Park.  Or as it should be known – heaven on earth.  But I digress – first things first.

When one travels, it is always a good idea to listen to the recommendations of bus drivers.  They tend to know where the best places to eat are, and I really do enjoy a good meal.  So when our bus driver pointed out a pub on our way to the hostel, and advised that they served really good pints, and you could get the food from the take away shop next door served in the pub, we were sold.  All I have to say is Berry Cider – it’s an amazing concoction, one that I have to figure out how to get imported at home.

Berry Cider, Glo, and the figurine denotes that we`re waiting for take away from the shop next door.

And what’s a trip to New Zealand without taking in some adventure activities??  And while jumping off a bridge holds no allure for me, hang gliding is something I’ve always wanted to try.  Let me just say that I enjoyed it more than skydiving (which is saying something).  There’s something about gliding through the air, and taking in the amazing vistas below that I can’t even begin to describe. 

Getting kitted out.

Ready for takeoff!

Coming in for the landing!

The next day, it was off to Abel Tasman National Park for an overnight trip – ocean kayaking on day one, sleeping on a house boat in one of the many bays, and then walking 14km back into town along the coastal walk.  I haven’t kayaked since that summer at camp when I was 12, let alone kayaked on the ocean.  Slightly nerve racking to start – but I loved it.  Once the waves calmed down, and I figured out the rhythm, I found it to be a relaxing experience.   Note to self – look at investing in a kayak for at home. 

Seals basking in the sun.

So very blue.

Craig & I kayaking.

Stopping for a swim.

The house boat was fantastic – an old navy vessel that’s been retrofitted for 25 guests to spend nights on in the park.  Highly recommended, although they did run out of water in the morning – someone wasn’t observing the 3 minute shower rule!

I can’t even begin to describe the walk back – up into the hills along the coast, dipping down to secluded golden bays with water so blue it defies description.  It was paradise – pure, unadulterated paradise.  If New Zealand wasn’t so freakin’ far away from everyone that I love – I would move here.  As it is, be prepared for some conversations that start “You know, you would really love New Zealand....”

National Park (aka Megan’s Day of Pain)

Along we continued, heading south through the North Island towards National Park.  One of the primary features in National Park is Mt Ruapehu – otherwise known as that volcano that Peter Jackson used for Mount Doom.  One of New Zealand’s best day hikes is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a 19.6km odyssey, up and over the pass in between the two volcanoes (the very ambitious can summit the volcanoes – I am not one of the very ambitious) but I had been toying with the idea of doing the crossing.  It seemed like the thing to do when you’re in New Zealand.

Mount Doom - the day before.  It doesn't look that big does it??  The pass that I hiked is to the left.

Smiling now - but inside I'm thinking "What have I signed up for??"

The day started early – the shuttle bus to the crossing left at 7:00am.  Already I’m thinking “what have I gotten myself into”.  Luckily on the Magic Bus I’d met people who had also chosen to complete the walk, so at least I’d have people to walk with.  The hike started off easy enough – a couple of kilometres on relatively flat terrain.  But then we got to the stairs (which the shuttle driver had helpfully pointed out that the locals refer to these as the Devil’s Stairs).  Midway up, we had to stop for a snack break, and to take pictures of the amazing vista.  At the top of the stairs, you hit the South Crater, which is beautiful, and desolate.

Yeah - we all look happy now.

Looking back towards the car park about 1km in - can you see the path?

The start of the stairs.  Ugh, the stairs.

Looking back over how far we've come.

Glo gets in on the action.

I'm smiling because I think the worst is over.  Hah - little did I know.

Inside the crater.

Looking back across the crater.  I'm feeling pretty proud now.

It was then time for another incline – what I like to refer to as the Devil’s Sick Joke.  It wasn’t so much a walk up a hill as a hands-on-the-ground scramble up and over boulders on the side of a mountain.  But then you got to the top and saw the Red Crater.  The terror starts to fade in the face of beauty.

Doesn't look too bad - does it?  That's part of the sick joke.

Mount DOOOM!!

See - sick joke.

The Red Crater

One more little ascent to go, and then begins the descent, down towards the Emerald Lakes.  I can’t even describe what it was like to see the lakes.  But I can describe the descent down to them – terrifying.  You walk/slide/fall down the side of a mountain on loose volcanic scree – think gravel, but looser, and it hurts more when you fall on it.  And you have to empty your boots when you get to the bottom.

The Skree Slope.

Jenny, Diane & I.

This begins the long descent back to the carpark, where the shuttle picks you up at the end of the walk.  It’s brilliant, up until the last 3km.  I don’t know what it was, but at the 16.5km mark, I hit a wall.  I’d walked far enough, my blisters were starting to get blisters, and all I wanted was for the walk to be done.  But the sense of accomplishment when I walked into the carpark was immense.  Although I do maintain that there should be a congratulatory sign at the end at the very least.  Although we did treat ourselves to Nachos, Cake and Wine that night.

Looking back!