South Island - Our Intrepid Journey.
Day 353 - 368. 6 - 21 October 2010
Abel Tasman National Park and North to Cape Farewell
This blog is best viewed in conjunction with Raewyn's email episodes that correspond with approximately the same days and dates.
After arriving at Motueka where we stayed a couple of nights free parking at the RSA we moved on to Kaiteriteri Beach to stay at the camp ground. From here we took the tour boat up the Abel Tasman National Park on the 'Discovery Tour'. This tour goes from Kateriteri Beach up to Totaranui Beach starting at 0900hrs. On the way back we were dropped off at Bark Bay and walked to the 7km to Torrent Bay where the tour boat picked us up for the run back to Kaiteriteri where we finished at 1630hrs.
Early morning at Kaiteriteri Beach
The sun silhouettes the islands in the bay.
Time to go, our tour boat has arrived.
This rock is called Apple Rock. An interesting pic with the sun behind it.
Same rock different sun position.
Some of the local inhabitants that make a living off the sea.
There were many individual sea access only properties tucked away.
The snow capped mountains in the background offer some contract.
One of the many inlets of the Park.
One of the better ways to enjoy the beauty of the Park.
It's easy to see why Totaranui Beach is so popular.
Apparently many couples get married by these rock formations.
Hmmm. So what's this then?
The beginning of our walk from Bark Bay to Torrent Bay.
A view looking back at Bark Bay as we started our climb.
Interesting sand patterns in the estuary.
Sandfly Bay at low tide, on our way to Torrent Bay.
One of the bridges to negotiate on the walk.
So where's Johnny Depp and the Pirates?
Destination Torrent Bay and our tour boat pick up.
From Abel Tasman it was off further North to Cape Faerwell and places in between. The following are a few of the interesting pics taken on the way.
From Abel Tasman it was off further North to Cape Faerwell and places in between. The following are a few of the interesting pics taken on the way.
After lunch at the 'Mussel Inn' we were off to grub for cockles in the Onekaka estuary.
The locals were real friendly.
Didn't take much interest in us.
Even Mr & Mrs Quail went about their business.
The incoming tide bought it's own images.
Right up North a typical Puponga bach.
And what's left of the Puponga wharf.
This is the entry to Wharariki Beach.
Offered dramatic scenery.
Interesting views as we moved down Wharariki Beach
Looking back the way we had come to the North
It was time to continue the 2 hour round trip
To climb out and leave the pristine Wharariki Beach
Through shoreline scrub
Emerging from the wind sculptured trees
Past a few solitary cabbage trees
For the walk back to 'The Italian Job'
There were still a few places to visit whilst here
The Kahoka sand lakes
Via a 1 hour return Nikau walkway
A visit to the historic Bainham store
On the way to the Heaphy Track
And finally on the way, The Devils Boots.
