With the heaphy track closed due to hundreds of trees down from the storm the next best option was the Abel Tasman Great Walk. We had a fantastic 4 days on the track very different to other great walks with alternative high tide and low tide tracks, numerous beaches and bays, detours, forest paths, and coastal tracks. Having kayaked part of the Abel Tasman last year it was neat to trek it as it gave it a completely different perspective of this unique scenic National Park.
DAY 1 - Wainui to Waiharakeke Bay
We caught a shuttle to the track start at the track from the northern Wainui Car Park end
Wainui Bay as we climbed and climbed higher and higher up the coastal track. We packed a lot of food so were feeling the load.
After twisting our way from the forest back down into the valley we came across Whariwharangi Hut - a cute little hut only a couple of minutes from the beach
Beach at Whariwharangi Bay
Whariwharangi Bay
We continued out to Seperation point where a few seals were a couple of seals were waiting for us
Then it was onto Mutton Cove for lunch
We our late start and all our stops and detours we arrived at Totaranui Bay later than expected but decided to go to our planned campsite. This is looking down onto Totarabui Bay
Fantastic colours in the sky as we headed down past Goats Bay to arrive at the Waiharakeke Campsite in pitch black.
DAY 2 - Waiharakeke Bay to Torrent Bay
Cooking up breakfast at the Waiharakeke campsite
We had a quick stop at Waiharakeke Bay beach before we set off for the day
We arrived for the crossing over the Awaroa Inlet to the Awaroa Hut with perfect timing for our first estuary crossing
The water was still a little deep in places from the swollen streams due to the rain but it was lots of fun
We stopped for a snack and cleaning our feet at Awaroa Hut before heading on our way
We climbed up into the forest and were rewarded with this awesome view of Awaroa Inlet
Introduced German Wasp
Newly constructed boardwalk at Onetahuti Bay
Onetahuti Bay
Looking down onto Bark Bay
Bark Bay Hut - very familiar to me after having slept here on my kayak trip last year
We had a small detour for a swim in the estuary
Mass of beach forest and brown poisoned pines part of the pest control programs going on in the park
I was very surprised to come across a heap of fancy batches as we came down into Torrent Bay as we stopped for the day at Torrent Bay campsite
DAY 3 - Torrent Bay to Te Pukatea Bay (detour up Falls River Track)
We had to get up at the crack of dawn to take the high tide loop to Anchorage to join our canyoning tour. Unfortunately when we arrived at Anchorage Hut a message was waiting for us to say that the tour was cancelled with the rain. After speaking with the ranger we filled our day up with side tracks and walks in the area and off we went.
Just another back country meal - dehydrated baked beans, hash browns and scrambled egg for breakfast.
The large comfy anchorage hut.
Anchorage Beach in Torrent Bay
Earlier we took the high tide track right round the estuary but when we came back to do the Falls River Track we took the 1hr shortcut across the mud flats.
Crystal clear stream on the Falls River Track
Cascade Falls
At the top of the track we joined the Falls River and stopped for some lunch
Having a dip in the river
The ranger told us about a female longfin eel in the pool which came straight to us when we fed it a piece of luncheon
Small drops and Falls
Once back at Anchorage we headed out to Pit Head to set up camp at Te Pukatea Bay. This is looking down on the bay and campsite just in from the kayak. This was by far my favourite campsite right on the beach
Walk out to Pitt Head for sunset
Pitt Head
We had a clear stary nights
DAY 4 - Te Pukatea Bay to Marahau
Trying to finish off all the leftovers for breakfast to make our packs lite for the day day of walking
Te Pukatea Bay with early morning sun. What a nice beach and great view to wake up to.
Looking back down across towards Anchorage
We stopped at a few Bays off from the high track. This is Adele Island is the distance.
After lunch at Coquille Bay we followed the coast around and saw this single tree all by itself on this rock island
We reach the end of the National Park
Our last few steps before finishing the track at the information shelter
The sculpture museum at the end of the track was really neat full of New Zealand themed carvings. These were two Moas
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