It was undoubtedly a highlight of our time here and we are struggling to figure out how best to convey the experience. We'll leave it up to the photos and a few anecdotes.
Created in 1942, the Abel Tasman National Park is named after the Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman himself, who first arrived on the Golden Bay shores in 1642. Yet another jewel in the crown of New Zealand's National Parks, Abel Tasman is steeped in Maori history and sports golden sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, a limestone sculpted rocky shoreline (usually adorned with fur seals and pups using the rocks like futons) and a marine reserve. The park is rich with beech trees and other plant life and the DOC continues to work hard to eradicate the usual suspects of NZ pests (possums, stoats) so that the native birds — oyster catchers, tui, the native wood pigeons, bellbirds, fantails, a variety of cormorants, and even a few gannets — will return and thrive.
This is only the second guided trip we have ever done. We both have a healthy respect for the ocean and feel we lack the tidal and ocean current skills required to safely paddle these waters. A guided trip with a reputable company hopefully means a guide who is knowledgeable about the area. So far this has proven true. We have found that the "insider" perspective enriches the experience, really, there were so many things we would have missed or not known about had we paddled on our own.
What a guide we had! Our fearless leader, Kyle, was an ever bubbling spring of information — about the park, Maori history and legends (he's part Maori himself) the wildlife, and his own brightly colorful past! A true pirate at heart, his charisma, passion, mischief and theatrical talents combine to create a very special experience. His sense of humor kept our crew in high spirits as we paddled and he was constantly making historical, spiritual and geographical connections for us with the landmarks and accompanying history. Rarely was there a dull moment, although there were many tranquil ones.
Along with Kyle, our crew consisted of Sandra and Paul — two fellow Canadians (from Bracebridge no less!), Barry — a tried and true Kiwi farmer from Canterbury who set us straight about NZ life, and Peter — a physicist and mathematical specialist from Aussie.
Our days consisted of a hearty breakfast and then taking down camp and loading the kayaks. After sounding the conch shell to announce our arrival on the water, there was usually several morning hours spent exploring tidal estuaries or paddling the coastline. Many stops were made at islands to bird and seal watch. We'd stop for a picnic lunch (usually at a stunning beach that was only usable during low tide) and a bit of down time (spent practicing our Maori weaving skills, enjoying another one of Kyle's spectacularly entertaining and informative historical story telling sessions, or having a little swim).
The afternoon allowed for another nice exploratory paddle — maybe to a Maori Pa (village) or a little off-the-beaten-track swimming hole. Then it would be time to set up camp for the evening (or return to the one site we spent two nights at) and go for a hike, a swim, or have a little read.
Evenings were spent enjoying cocktails and appetizers around a fire and then partaking in an excellent meal warmed with laughter and more story telling.
Our good natured teammates also made the trip one to remember — Barry's easygoing, upbeat manner had a few of us trying to use a kiwi dog whistle and learn the alphabet backwards. Peter opened up our knowledge to the treasures of the southern hemisphere night sky. Sandra's gift and knowledge of languages ensured the Maori words Kyle taught us became part of our own vocabularies and her and Paul's extensive travel experiences continually wetted our appetites for new places to visit. Paul's priceless comedic timing and meticulous dishwashing skills had us belly laughing and eating from soap-free plates.
Tumeke literally means "too much" and that is the best way to describe our time in Abel Tasman National Park - TOO MUCH - but in the very best possible way!
That looks awesome, and possibly the best weather for it you could have hoped for!
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