HOLIDAY BLISS
Mike Yardley enjoys one of New Zealand’s best beaches, Kaiteriteri Beach
SHOWERED WITH ACCOLADES as one of New Zealand’s best beaches, Kaiteriteri’s elemental brilliance is all the more pleasurable after the peak summer crush has cleared out. You won’t be competing for towel space. Awakening to that fabled arc of golden sand, washed by the gentle waves of Kaiteriteri Beach is one of life’s great pleasures. Savouring the first crack of daybreak across the wide sweep of Tasman Bay is appointment viewing. Kaiteriteri Reserve Apartments is the unrivalled location from which to bask in the brilliance of this celebrated holiday hotspot. It is the postcard-perfect beach, glistening turquoise water, thickly-forested headlands, gloriously golden sand and that classic crescent shape.
Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve comprises 250ha of Crown land, with 100 per cent of the business profits being reinvested into the township’s amenities. The on-site dining is drool-worthy, whether you want to wrap your lips around some blockbuster buns or fish’n chips from Gone Burgers or dine in style at Kai Restaurant. Be sure to take the short stroll north from the beach up to Kaka Point for serene beach views. From there, follow the path to the neighbouring hideaway of seclusion, Breaker Bay, which feels like an escapist bolt-hole compared to the summer hordes at Kaiteriteri. The southern end of the beach connects with Little Kaiteriteri. At low tide, you can shimmy around the rocks to this less-trafficked slice of golden sand.
After taking my fill of the sensory splendour that Kaiteriteri lays on thick, I took a fleeting foray into the heart of the Abel Tasman National Park. Accorded national park status in 1942, that winning blend of sun-splashed crystalline waters, verdant forest and sweeping golden sands commands its siren-like allure. Whether you’re seeking to blaze some hiking trails, strike out on a sea kayak or simply bliss out in a beautifully secluded bay, the Abel Tasman delivers in spades. The go-to pros to spirit you across the waters are Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles. This trusty transportation and scenic cruise company has been plying the waters for over 20 years, with Keith and Heather Knapp at the helm.
During that time, Keith has built 17 vessels for the business, along with ramps to get passengers on and off the vessels with dry feet and propellers that tilt to allow the vessels to operate in very shallow water without disturbing the sea floor. I was cruising to the legendary Awaroa Lodge for a pampered night in the wilderness. Purring out of Kaiteriteri, an early highlight is enjoying an intimate rendezvous with Split Apple Rock. The naturally occurring rock formation is estimated to be around 120 million years old.
We passed by Adele Island, a flourishing wildlife sanctuary, where the chorus of birdsong rings from the treetops. Adele Island is home to one of New Zealand’s rarest birds — the South Island saddleback (t¯ıeke). We called into all of the key points on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, including Apple Tree Bay, Anchorage, Torrent Bay and Medlands Beach, where a multitude of happy hikers alighted and rejoined our vessel. I loved admiring the whimsical shapes and contortions of the sculptured granite cliffs that line the coastline.
It’s also a fiendishly popular hangout spot for kayakers, given the high chances of encountering little blue penguins and a pod of dolphins in these parts. The Abel Tasman Coast Track is a breathtaking but easily accomplished multi-day walk. I recommend walking it over four days, so you have ample time to swim, get sand between your toes, and accomplish some incredible hiking without being rushed. You get to revel in the thrill of hiking one of New Zealand’s Great Walks with a day to rest and recuperate in the lap of luxury at Awaroa Lodge.
Push the boat out and book a Superior Suite for escapism in excelsis. These architecturally designed suites were conceived with comfort and style in mind, wrapping you in nature while still being spoilt with all of the home comforts. Booking.com has got every accommodation taste covered across Tasman Bay, whether you’re looking for a luxury roost or cosy Kiwi bach. No matter what your budget or accommodation preferences may be, bag a great-value stay with total flexibility and convenience, at www.booking.com.