NZ Honeymoon: Abel Tasman

As mentioned before, one of the main reasons why we came to Golden Bay was to see Abel Tasman National Park. Now, Blane and I aren't big nature people, but we do enjoy seeing the beauty of God's creation...we just want to be able to sleep in a nice bed (not a tent!) after we do :) Haha.

Gordon and Bess at Adrift recommended a boat ride deeper into the park because it was more beautiful than what you would see just driving in yourself. So we signed up for the boat ride which I prayed would be short because I always get seasick!

We drove to the boat launch spot and when I saw the rikshaw that I thought was our boat, my stomach churned a big one. There was no way that I wasn't getting seasick on that thing! =/

Fortunately, that wasn't our boat (PHEW!!!) and when this newer, sleeker guy showed up, I was muy relieved, to say the least.

 Blane and I on the boat. No seasickness here! Thank goodness.

So the plan was that we would take a 15-20 minute boat ride north to an area of Abel Tasman that is not accessible via car. We would then hike back to where our car was parked...about a two hour hike. The hike was supposed to be beautiful, taking you from coastline into the forest and back to the water again. Were we up for this?!?

After we exited the boat (we were two of just five who departed for the hike) we found this sign to start us off towards our final destination: Totaranui!

 

The other three hikers took off so we were left on our own on yet another deserted beach. It was a beautiful hike, weaving in towards the sea and then back into the brush. Good thing it was a slightly overcast day because I think had it been sunny and hot, my husband wouldn't have made it. :) We ended up doing the hike in just under an hour and a half because we were trekking it! 

 All in all it was a beautiful hike. I'm glad we took the boat ride to the more remote area of the national park because it really was incredible to see the vistas and terrain that was mostly untouched by humankind. Growing up, my parents would always take J and I to national parks for our vacations. I have fond memories of us hiking and getting our "national passport" stamps at the visitor centers. It was neat for me to kind of continue this tradition with my new husband on our honeymoon.

 Tomorrow we say goodbye to Adrift but not before something quite phenomenal.
Stay tuned!
Mrs. S