Abel Tasman: VIP style
How do you make New Zealand’s most popular Great Walk even greater? You give it the rock star treatment.
Aseal is floating next to our kayak, gently rolling in circles. Our guide tells us our aquatic friend is suffering from a food coma – the result of too much squid. And he’s rolling in circles to digest it all. Another pup is much more playful; darting around our paddles with a gleeful look in its eye.
We’re off the coast of Abel Tasman National Park, enjoying what could be New Zealand’s best new day trip.
So how do you make our most popular Great Walk even greater?
You start your day with breakfast at home, then take the first flight to Nelson. From there, you’re taken to Motueka Airport and whisked into the Abel Tasman by luxury helicopter to enjoy a leisurely walk before exploring the coast by kayak. By lunch, you’re picnicking on a secluded beach. Then an afternoon cruise and flight back home for a late dinner. It sounds like a trip for the rich and famous, but a new company – Nelson Tasman Air – wants to make it affordable.
I’ve done Abel Tasman traditionally – walking and camping. But this time, pulling into Motueka Airport wreathed by the last wisps of morning mist, I know we’re in for a treat.
Our pilots for the day, Ben and Andy, can’t contain their enthusiasm. After a quick tour around the company’s new Bell Jetranger, we jump into the plush cabin and set a path towards one of New Zealand’s most beautiful stretches of coastline.
Within five minutes we’re flying over golden beaches that weave into hidden emerald lagoons. We pass swing bridges, boardwalks, waterfalls, an island full of seals, and granite cliffs that plunge into alluring turquoise waters. The beauty of this place can only be truly appreciated from the air.
While Ben positions the chopper for the best views, Andy runs a commentary over our headsets. As we descend to the helipad at private estate Awaroa Lodge, Andy dispenses his best tip of the day: pick up a flat white at the lodge.
Ten minutes later, coffee in hand, we’re walking the Abel Tasman – through one of the most picturesque parts of the track towards Onetahuti. The park is hugely popular, an estimated 300,000 people walk it each year, many day-trippers entering on boats. But we’re in well before them, and apart from the occasional camper out for an early walk, it’s empty.