We probably should have backed out when they read us the forecast but we plunged right into a five-day kayak along the coast of Abel Tasman National Park, one of New Zealand’s smallest and most popular. Kirk has kayaked in Croatia and along B.C.’s West Coast but the wild winds and rain of Abel Tasman tested her nerves, and pumped Drew’s adrenalin.
Our first day out was one of our most beautiful – blue skies, golden beaches, and playful seals around Adele Island. When we woke the next morning at Observation Beach, the stage would be set for the next four days: rain and wind. Regardless, we stayed positive, enjoyed our tent casino, and when the rain let up, explored the lagoons of Sandfly and Frenchman’s Bay at high tide, the seal colony at Tonga Island, and wave riding in Bark’s Bay. The beauty of travelling via kayak is you don’t have to pack light: we enjoyed good food and a few beverages. And, the tent we inherited from the Germans is proving reliable – no leaks and no collapses.
As the locals advised us, just take your time; explore; don’t be in a rush. We did just that.
