The Abel Tasman National Park is well known for its trails, the favourite one being a 54km stretch of glorious coastline with clear blue waters and lush green forests. It is one of the best in the country and deservedly so. The trek can be completed in 4 days, or if you are short on time, half-day hikes and day hikes can be organized.
This small port is well worth a stopover for at least a day or more. A great base for the Queen Charlotte track and a number of nearby hikes. If you are short on time try the “Harbour View” (the path is marked from the harbour). It takes 2 hours to complete and the view of the harbour and the Sound beyond is wonderful.
A recommended hostel for Picton is “The Villa” . Close to the ferry port (5 minutes walk), a warm friendly atmosphere and good facilities, The Villa would be too easy to get stuck for a few days if you have the time. Facilities include a spa, TV lounge, hiking guides and proprietors that are a goldmine of local information. Be sure to try the free homemade apple pie and ice cream, the $2 homemade soup available every day for occupants. For $16 (dorm room), you also receive breakfast of toast and cereal, food to set you up for a days hike.
The drive from Picton to Nelson takes 2 hours. The hairpin bends can have you gripping your seat, as the roads twist through the countryside.
During autumn the trees along the route are a riot of colour, making the trip glorious.
Nelson is an ideal base for hikes in the Abel Tasman National Park and the surrounding environs. The Tourist Information is well set up for information on the buses to and from the park and trail heads.
In general, the shuttle buses will drop off at your hostel of choice, I asked the driver to recommend one and he came up with “The Paridiso” which turned out to be one of the best hostels I have ever been in from Australia to New Zealand.
“The Paridiso” has dorm rooms for $16, outstanding facilities such as a pool, hot spa, TV lounge, cooking facilities (including spices), sauna, even a 1960’s bus by the pool that has been converted into a lounge, trampoline,e-mail, volley ball and free vegetable soup every evening. I felt like I was in 5 star hotel!
If you feel like a beverage, try “The Victoria and Rose” pub which has good food, local cider (for those from the westcountry, UK, it kicks arse) and bands on the weekend and Tuesday nights.
Due to time restrictions, I had to ask a local on recommendations on how to spend a day in the Park. Either kayak or alternatively take one of the ferry boats to a trail head and hike part of the day; that way you can make the most of the area. There is a multitude of hikes to choose from, the park service even supply overnight cabins (booked in advance) and camping areas on some trails, so it is not necessary to pack in a tent if you don’t want too. The camp sites also have to be booked in advance especially during high season. There are even some right on the beach.
The time of year that I visited the park (early May), the trails were very quiet and the weather was perfect. I caught the Park bus from the hostel (you can arrange whichever trek you have time for) and I took a boat past Split Rock. Watch out for the plethora of Cormorants at the trailhead at Torrent Bay.
The time suggested for the hike was 4 hours, depending on fitness. The trail takes you through lush green forests, or if it is low tide try walking along some of the beaches that have clean white sand and clear blue waters. Cleopatra’s Pool waterfall and fresh green paradise is a further half-hour hike from Torrent Bay, but worth the detour. The trail is marked from the trailhead at Torrent Bay. Take lunch on the beach and enjoy the peace of the park.
If you are lucky you may even spot the Lesser Spotted “Kiwi“.
This well-known symbol of New Zealand is mainly nocturnal and flightless but sometimes can be seen during the day. They have huge feet, no wings and may pound along a trail after you. They have no predators and are short sighted so don’t worry if they get close.
This National Park deserves its reputation and if time permits, the 3 day trail is well worth it, while the clear translucent waters, white sand with a backdrop of lush green forest will stay with me forever.
GETTING THERE
From Wellington, in the North Island, the cheapest and most relaxing way by far is the
Interislander ferry, which crosses the Cook Strait to Picton. The crossing takes 3 hours and will take you through the Malborough sounds, spectacular fjords and a good introduction to the South Island.
The crossing costs $46 return/round trip for foot passengers; fare price will also depend on the time of departure. To take a car over on the ferry the cost is $300. For short visits this option is not worthwhile. Watch out for Porpoises hitching a ride on the boats bow on the way over!
Once at Picton either jump on one of the many mini buses at the ferry terminal that shuttle visitors to Nelson and beyond, or stay in Picton if time permits.
About the Author
My boots have taken me almost around the world and then some.
Spending time in various National Parks throughout America, Australasia, Europe and Africa, I have been fortunate to see many of the world’s natural wonders. From rock formations to animal and plant species and, of course, all types of homo-sapiens.
Many a beer hall and camp fire later, I hope that I can relay some useful information to my fellow travellers.
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét