Kaiteriteri

After a short scenic drive from Murchison we arrived at Kaiteriteri, a most beautiful resort on the coast. We had decided to stay here for 3 nights, as we really want to explore the Abel Tasman National Parks, one of the many highlights of NZ South Island. The campsite we had booked into is directly next to the beach, and was very busy. Although most pitches were taken it does not appear too busy, and we were given a pitch with plenty of space. The facilities are good and plentiful, with a kitchen and BBQ area close to our van. We spent our first afternoon on the beach in front of the site - a beautiful golden beach with a turquoise crystal clear sea. Both of us were soon swimming and cooling off from the very hot sun. The next day we drove to nearby Marahau where the Abel Tasman track begins. We walked (or tramped as they say in NZ) the first part of the track until we reached Stilwell cove, where we bathed in the sun, read our books and swam repeatedly in the clear waters. As we walked we passed cove after cove, all stunning. The track was undulating and very dusty, and we passed many people walking in both directions. On our final day in this location we booked onto the water taxi service, which travels alongside the Abel Tasman track in both directions. The boat was full as we left Kaiteriteri, and our first port of call was to see the Split Apple Rock, a large rock out at sea that looks just like an apple split in half. Seals were spotted basking on rocks on Adele Island as we continued along the coast. The captain pointed out a large,rather grand vessel called The Spirit of NZ. On it were 35 disabled youngsters making a 5 day voyage- this trip takes place twice a year apparently. We left the boat at Medlands Beach, and were to be picked up later at a different location after our tramp along another part of the track. We walked for about 4 hours stopping for a picnic lunch on one of the many beautiful beaches. There are no roads at all in the national park, and the only way of travel is walking or kayaking. Every now and again we came across a campsite with toilets and running water. Again we met many people walking in both directions. We stopped at Cleopatras Pool, a crystal clear water pool set amongst rocks. The water was cold, but there were many people bathing there and sliding down the rocks into the water - mainly youngsters it has to be said!!!!! We ended up on another beach at Anchorage Bay, after walking about 15kms- ready for a flop in the sea before our boat picked us up to return to the campsite. So pleased we managed to walk such a chunk of this great tramping trail, as the scenery we saw was amazing. One of the highlights of our trip around NZ so far!!!Read more