Blue sky moments around the bays
Abel Tasman kayaking
You’ve seen the photos: smiling people in a bright-yellow kayak that looks as though it’s floating on air, the sea is so calm and clear. There is sand below, a blue sky above, and in the distance a golden beach and hills of green bush.
This is the actual reality of a kayaking trip along the coast of Abel Tasman National Park, and for the people flocking here from around the world to experience it, a handful of companies supply their needs.
Abel Tasman Kayaks is longestablished and provides a variety of options, whether you want to do it alone or guided, for one day or five, in combination with tramping or water taxi transport.
Why go?
Anyone in reasonable shape can operate a kayak (especially a double one) and the initial briefing is very thorough. And then you’re on your way, heading out along the coast, into little bays, even exploring lagoons if the tide is right, with no pressure of time and every opportunity to stop and look and appreciate where you are.
Without being off-puttingly rugged, on the freedom option there are still plenty of bragging rights to earn by taking and cooking your own food, sleeping in a tent in a basic DOC campsite, and combining the kayaking with hiking along the impressively well-maintained and tree-shaded coastal track.
It climbs over headlands that aren’t forbiddingly high but give wonderful views over the bush to bright splashes of that golden sand, the blue sea and, remarkably close, the North Island. There are seals and seabirds, and if you’re lucky, dolphins and orcas, too. In the camps there are pukeko and cheeky weka – plus travellers from many countries to talk to and share notes with.
Insider tip
Don’t turn hit the snooze button in the morning: get out of your tent and lap up the glory of a golden dawn over a glossy sea, with yours the first footprints on the sand that day (if you don’t count the oystercatchers). And don’t leave food in your tent fly: those weka are bold opportunists and shameless thieves.
On the way/nearby
Take the 10-minute side-track to Cleopatra’s Pool, where the Torrent River swirls and splashes over boulders into a series of swimming holes, and nature has kindly provided an actual rock waterslide.
There is also a 47-metre suspension bridge over the Falls River to enjoy.
And don’t miss Awaroa, the beach the people bought, where besides that gorgeous curve of sand there is also, tucked back in the bush, a lodge and an actual pizzeria with beer, beanbags and wi-fi for Instagramming all that natural beauty.
How much?
It was $208 for an unguided three-day kayak/walk, including water taxi pickup. Guided tours range from a $150 half-day to $950 for five days, with further options including cycling, floating accommodation and canyoning.
Best time to go
Summer is busy on the track and in camp. A fine spell in winter would work well. – Pamela Wade