RP ➾ SD ➾ NZ : A Story in Photos: Abel Tasman

In the New Zealand uni system, we get a weeklong "study break" before the final exams start. Of course, I used this opportunity not to study, but to do a bit of travelling. (Don't worry Mom and Dad, my first exam isn't until November 5th so I still have some time to study before then). During the first half of our trip around the top of the south island, a group of eight of us did the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. This was the second of New Zealand's nine "Great Walks" that I've done. I know I speak in superlatives a lot, but I can honestly say that the four days spent doing this walk may have been the best four days of my time in New Zealand thus far.

After arriving to the south island, we went on a search for somewhere to pitch our tent for the night before our walk because we didn't have a campsite. We happened this plot of land for sale out of sight from the main road. The views of the sunset to the west and of the Tasman Bay to the east were on par with, if not better than any actual campsite we've stayed at.

Glimpses of the beautiful Tasman Bay through the trees during our first day of walking.

From a lookout point near our first campsite.

Setting off on our second morning. At first we were all excited to actually be hiking ON the beach, though by the end of the walk we couldn't help but complain about how much effort it takes to hike in the sand.

Cascade Falls, one of the side trips off the main Abel Tasman track. I'm continually appreciative at the lack of safety barriers put up in New Zealand, allowing for photos like these.

Trying to shove as much pasta as possible into our little camping pot.

The parts of the track along the beach and coastal bluffs were balanced with lush, green bush walking that seemed like something from a tropical jungle.

During the third day of the walk, we happened upon Awaroa Lodge and stopped for some lunch and drinks. This plush hotel/restaurant was so out of place in our experience of sleeping in tents, cooking on our backpacking stove, etc. that we later joked that it was like a mirage.

One of NZ's famous giant wetas giving birth.

The tidal crossing. This part of the walk could only be done within a 2-3 hour window each day because it went through an area normally covered with several feet of water. This entailed taking off our socks and shoes and trudging across the wet sand, through sea shells, snails, and abandoned boats for about an hour. Definitely one of the strangest things I've ever done during a hike.