Abel Tasman and Golden Bay

So the four of us set off to the Abel Tasman region for a few days to see this beautiful spot.

Kaiteriteri

Our first stop was Kaiteriteri, where if you catch it right, is lots of fun. The is an tidal inlet that empties a basin into the sea as the tide turns to low tide.

The sides to this as so steep that you can run off the beach and dive into the water.

Then, once the flow picks up, if you walk to the other side of the bridge and get in you can float with the flow all the way out to sea. For a period of time you get a natural fun wave machine in the sea (although you also need to watch the pull of the tide which is strong).

Taking turns to Evie watch the 3 of us adults took turns in enjoying this tidal fun until it came to a natural end and the flow stopped.

Hawkes Bay Lookout

Driving up the Takaka Hill there are stunning views down below. Stopping off at Hawkes Bay Lookout, a 5 min walk from the car you get a big view back down over Motueka and Nelson.

The House – Upper Takaka Farm Stay

So we stayed in a house that wasn’t ideally located for where we wanted to go to, but it did have amazing turkeys, cockerels that liked to wake you up at dawn, and red deer that the owners took us to see and pet.

And an amazing nights sky.

Collingwood

A nice small old town, a good place for a cafe stop on the drive northwards.

Wharariki Beach

At the top of Golden Bay just west of Farewell Spit there is a nice walk to a beautiful beach with sand so hot that it hurts to walk even in open sandals. There are notices advising against swimming in the sea, so we didn’t dip despite being boiled. With some nice rock formations, and baby seals enjoying the waters, it made for a pleasant walk.

Just round the corner by car there is also this impressive arch to see from above.

Waikoropupu Springs

Also within Golden Bay are these stunningly clear waters. Unbelievably beautiful, how nice it would be to swim in these, but not allowed.

Pohara Beach

We didn’t stop for long here, but long enough for Evie to have a paddle. Lovely as it was, we had a different destination in mind for the day.

Wainui Falls

A short walk in through forest and over a swing bridge, you arrive at the Wainui Falls. A refreshing dip either at the falls themselves or in one of the many river pools, though not really a place for babies to have any freedom. Luckily for us Evie seemed amused enough to observe people from the backpack and sleep!

Totos cafe

On a gravel road between the Wainui falls and Totaranui is a cafe which was great. Had hammocks, lovely smoothies and amazing sounding pizzas (not sampled by us on this occasion).

Aranui Beach

The guy at Totos cafe said this was his favourite beach in the Abel Tasman, and easily accessible by foot. Parking at Totaranui it was an hours walk through the forest and then you popped out on to this beautiful beach.

Between us we enjoyed swimming, paddling and climbing the rocks.

Kayaking

Something not to be missed in the Abel Tasman, although clearly you can’t take a baby out on the water. Evie did still enjoy exploring the boat though.

Whilst Omi & me kayaked around the shore and into beautiful bays, Tim & Evie walked, and we arranged to meet in Apple Tree Bay for lunch. A shorter than anticipated kayak for us, and longer than anticipated walk for Tim!

Still we all enjoyed the water once again for a refreshing dip before heading back to Marahau.

Split Apple Rock

Although one on ‘the things to see’, this beach is not actually signposted from the road. When we did finally find the road and parked up, it was a descent down to the beach but a worthwhile descent.

The rock does look like, well an apple split in half. A nice final beach to finish our Abel Tasman trip.