Photo at Torrent Bay Lodge, Day Five, departure for the end of coastal track at Marahau
Our DVBWC leader Darylene marking the beginning of our 5 day journey
Friday 11 March 2016
The 25 DVBWC members, Abel Tasman National Park, February 16- 20, 2016
Thursday 10 March 2016
Wilson's 5 Day Itinerary Abel Tasman National Park
Your luggage: If you let us know where you are staying in Nelson, your complimentary Lodge Luggage Bag (to be transported to our lodges by boat) will be delivered to your accommodation. If you are arriving in the region on the morning of your trip with us, your Lodge Luggage bag will be available at our Motueka office, with time to repack.
Secure luggage storage for gear you don't want in the National Park, and a safe for valuables is available at our Motueka office.
On the morning of your departure we pick you up from your accommodation or, if you have your own car, we’ll direct you to safe parking from our office in Motueka. Day Packs are available to borrow here if you would like one.
Day 1: Nelson / Motueka to Awaroa via Totaranui
All aboard our Vista Cruise vessel! As we cruise from Kaiteriteri at the southern tip of the Park, north to Totaranui we echo the contours of the spectacular Abel Tasman coastline. Relax on the upper or lower viewing decks and enjoy a hot drink from the cafe. From Totaranui, walk through mature beech and rata forests, and along secluded golden beaches to the breathtaking expanse of the Awaroa inlet. Here, a warm kiwi welcome awaits you at Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa, a faithful re-creation of the Wilson family's original home on the "finest site in the bay".
Pick up Nelson (10.15 - 10.45 am) or Motueka (11.30 am) or if you are self driving please meet at our office by 11.30 am. Low season departures (19 April to 19 October) have an earlier start time. See Start/Finish Times (below) for more details.
Meet your guide at our Motueka office for a welcome briefing with time for last-minute luggage organisation, before departing to Kaiteriteri by coach.
1.00 pm: Vista Cruise departs Kaiteriteri for a fast, safe, comfortable cruise along the National Park coastline. Hot & cold drinks, open and enclosed viewing decks and bathroom facilities on board.
From Totaranui, walk through mature beech and rata forests, and along secluded golden beaches to the tidal inlet at Awaroa.
Either walk, if the tide is out, or take a boat ride across the stunning expanses of the largest inlet on the coast.
At Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa, right on the edge of the inlet, you’ll be welcomed with pre-dinner drinks and fine food. Here you’ll find comfortable accommodation full of history and kiwi charm.
pproximate Times:
Scenic drive to Kaiteriteri from Nelson (1 hour) or Motueka (20 mins)
Cruise Kaiteriteri to Totaranui – 1.5 hours
Walk - 2 hours (6 kms, 3.7 miles) including tidal crossing
Maximum elevation 60 m (200 ft)
Meals included: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Day 2: Explore Awaroa
Wake up to a home-cooked breakfast and sweeping views across Awaroa inlet, the largest tidal estuary in Abel Tasman National Park. Enjoy the comfortable surroundings of the lodge and perhaps a coffee on the verandah watching the movement of the tides over golden sand. Then, let your guide design your day to be as active or relaxed as you wish with another night at Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa.
Options include:
Explore Awaroa estuary on foot or by kayak (tides permitting)
Visit early European and pre-European historical sites
Unwind on the beach
Relax and enjoy the comforts of Meadowbank Homestead.
Approximate Times:
Walking time: up to 4 hours (optional)
Optional kayaking: up to 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Awaroa to Torrent Bay
After a relaxing night’s sleep and home-cooked breakfast overlooking the gardens by the sea at Meadowbank, you’ll be ready for your scenic day walk to Torrent Bay. If you're not feeling energetic, your Guide will arrange for a boat ride so can choose the amount of walking to suit.
Section 1: 5 km (3 miles) Max elevation 85 m (280 ft)
9 am (approx.) leave Awaroa to enjoy a morning walking through native forest with magnificent coastal views, then walk along the golden sands of Onetahuti Beach.
Continue on to explore the historic sites and picturesque golden cove of Tonga Quarry beach.
Section 2: 4km (2.5 miles) Max elevation 120 m (400 ft)
From Tonga Quarry, walk over a forested saddle and around the Waterfall Trail to Bark Bay.
Midday, stop for lunch at Bark Bay, taking time out to relax, explore, swim or sunbathe on the golden sands.
Section 3: 7 kms (4.4 miles) Max elevation 105 m (340 ft)
From Bark Bay, walk the most varied section the coastal track as it winds through shady gullies of mature Beech forest, fern grottos and sunny groves of Manuka framing coastal vistas.
Cross the swing bridge at Falls River and continue on to Torrent Bay.
Around 4.30 pm: A welcome awaits at Torrent Bay Lodge, right on the beachfront. This was the Wilson family’s holiday home, now tastefully extended and renovated to include all modern comforts whist keeping its relaxed, beach holiday atmosphere.
Leisurely options:
11.50 am, board the Vista catamaran at Tonga Quarry. Cruise to Bark Bay to join the rest of your group for lunch or continue on to Torrent Bay.
3.00 pm, board the Vista catamaran at Medlands Beach (Bark Bay) to cruise to Torrent Bay.
Maximum total Walking time: 7 hours (16 kms, 10 miles)
Meals included: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Explore Torrent Bay
A day of choices! Let your Guide plan a day to be as adventurous or relaxing as you like with another night at Torrent Bay Lodge, right on the beach.
Options include:
Walk through breathtaking first generation forest, up to the waterfalls on Falls River;
Canoe or walk around the estuary and visit the peaceful grotto of Cleopatra's Pool;
Walk to the golden expanse of Anchorage beach and picturesque Te Pukatea cove, visiting historic Maori sites at Pitt Head along the way;
Relax on the beach at Torrent Bay.
Approximate Times:
Optional walking: up to 5 hours (10 kms, 6 miles)
Optional canoeing: tide dependant
Meals included: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Torrent Bay to Motueka/Nelson
Wake up to morning light on the golden sands of Torrent Bay and perhaps a coffee on the deck before breakfast. Then on your final day, walk the easiest section of the coastal track from Torrent Bay to Marahau, with panaromic views across Tasman Bay to Nelson. Along the way you’ll rediscover the pristine bays and beaches named by French Explorer, Dumont D'Urville in 1827.
Depart Torrent Bay Lodge at about 9.00 am
Around midday, stop for lunch at a sheltered beach with views of the islands in the Astrolabe Roadstead.
Our driver meets you at Marahau (or Kaiteriteri) to return you to Motueka (4.30 pm) or Nelson (5.30 - 6.00 pm)**.
For less walking time:
Join the Vista Cruise at Torrent Bay, Anchorage or Apple Tree Bay to cruise to Kaiteriteri.
Approximate times:
Walk 4-5 hours, depending on tides (13 - 16 kms, 8 - 10 miles)
Maximum elevation 110 m (360 ft)
Scenic drive Marahau/Kaiteriteri to Motueka (20 mins) or Nelson (1 hour)
Meals included: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch
Start/Finish times
The direction of this trip may be reversed on some departures with earlier pick up in Nelson (7.15 - 7.40 am) and Motueka (8.15 am).
If Start/Finish times don't suit your itinerary, please contact us to make alternative arrangements. All our itineraries can be flexible to accommodate your needs or schedule.
Important Additional Information:
History of Abel Tasman and Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Janszoon Tasman (Dutch: [ˈɑbəl ˈjɑnsoːn ˈtɑsmɑn]; 1603 – 10 October 1659) was a Dutch seafarer, explorer, and merchant, best known for his voyages of 1642 and 1644 in the service of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). He was the first known European explorer to reach the islands of Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania) and New Zealand, and to sight the Fiji islands.
New Zealand
After some exploration, Tasman had intended to proceed in a northerly direction but as the wind was unfavourable he steered east. Tasman endured a very rough journey from Tasmania to New Zealand. In one of his diary entries Tasman credits his compass, claiming it was the only thing that kept him alive. On 13 December they sighted land on the north-west coast of the South Island, New Zealand, becoming the first Europeans to do so.[17] Tasman named it Staten Landt on the assumption that it was connected to an island (Staten Island, Argentina) at the south of the tip of South America. He sailed north, then east and 5 days later anchored about 7 km from the coast. He sent ship's boats to gather water, but one of his boats was attacked by Māori in a double hulled waka (canoe) and four of his men were attacked and killed by mere. He made it to land but was unwelcomely forced away - unable to claim the country for the Dutch. As Tasman sailed out of the bay he was again attacked, this time by 11 waka. The waka approached the Zeehaen which fired and hit one Maori who fell down. Canister shot hit the side of a waka.[18] Archeological research has shown the Dutch had tried to land at a major agricultural area, which the Māori may have been trying to protect.[19] Tasman named the bay Murderers' Bay (now known as Golden Bay) and sailed north, but mistook Cook Strait for a bight (naming it Zeehaen's Bight). Two names he gave to New Zealand landmarks still endure, Cape Maria van Diemen and Three Kings Islands, but Kaap Pieter Boreels was renamed by Cook 125 years later to Cape Egmont.
History Abel Tasmam Park
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_parks_of_New_Zealand
Abel Tasman National Park is a New Zealand national park located between Golden Bay and Tasman Bay at the north end of the South Island. It is named after Abel Tasman, who in 1642 became the first European explorer to sight New Zealand and who anchored nearby in Golden Bay.
History
The park was founded in 1942, largely through the efforts of ornithologist and author Pérrine Moncrieff to have land reserved for the purpose. Moncrieff served on the park board from 1943 to 1974.[2]
The park was opened on the 18 December 1942 to mark the 300th anniversary of Abel Tasman's visit.[3] Those in attendance at the opening ceremony at Tarakohe included Charles van der Plas, as personal representative of the Netherlands' Queen, Wilhelmina. The Queen was made Patron of the park.[4]
The idea for the park had been under consideration since June 1938. The Crown set aside 15,225 hectares (37,622 acres), comprising 8,900 hectares (21,900 acres) of proposed state forest, 5,809 hectares (14,354 acres) of Crown land and 554 hectares (1,368 acres) of other reserve land for the national park.[5] The Golden Bay Cement Company donated the land where the memorial plaque was sited.[3] The area's primary historic interest was the visit of Tasman in 1642, D'Uville in 1827, and the New Zealand Company barques Whitby and Will Watch, and brig Arrow in 1841. The site was also of significant botanical interest.[5]
By 1946 the park had reached 15,534 hectares (38,386 acres) in area with additional land purchases. A further 844 hectares (2,085 acres) at Totaranui, formerly owned by William Gibbs, was acquired from J S Campbell in 1949 and added to the park.[6] About 6,100 hectares (15,000 acres) have been added since. In 2008 an extra 7.9 km2 (790 ha; 3.1 sq mi), including the formerly private land known as Hadfields Clearing, were added to the park.[7]
Project Janszoon
In 2012 Project Janszoon, a privately funded trust, was set up to restore the parks ecosystems. The trust takes its name for Tasman's middle name Janszoon. It is aiming to complete the restoration in time for the 400th anniversary of Tasman's visit and the parks 100th anniversary in 2042.
The Department of Conservation and Project Janszoon developed a free virtual visitor centre for downloading to smartphones or tablets. The application provides information about the Park's history, its flora and fauna, points of interest, weather, walking tracks, and tides.[10]
Why New Zealanders are nicknamed 'Kiwis'
The history of the Kiwi Shoe polish brand confirms the possible explanation given by our guide Whitey on how the Kiwis inherited this nickname during World War 1. ( Dianne)
Interesting connection between Kiwi Shoe Polish Brand and Melbourne and nickname 'Kiwi'..........
From Wikipedia
The first shoe polish to resemble the modern varieties (aimed primarily at inducing shine) were the British and British Commonwealth brands like Cherry Blossom, Kiwi and Wren's. An advertisement published in March 1947 by Wren's claimed that William Wren originated the first wax polish in 1889. As the advertisement was endorsed with the Royal Warrant, it's claim would be deemed creditable. [10]However, the most well known brand was Kiwi. Scottish expatriates William Ramsay and Hamilton McKellan began making "boot polish" in a small factory in 1904 in Melbourne, Australia.[11] Their formula was a major improvement on previous brands. It preserved shoe leather, made it shine, and restored color. By the time Kiwi Dark Tan was released in 1908, it incorporated agents that added suppleness and water resistance. Australian-made boot polish was then considered the world's best. Black and a range of colors became available, and exports to Britain, continental Europe, and New Zealand began, although the polish is now made in the Far East. Previously owned by the Sara Lee Corporation since 1984, Kiwi was sold in 2011 to SC Johnson[1].
Ramsay named the shoe polish after the kiwi, the national bird of New Zealand; Ramsay's wife, Annie Elizabeth Meek Ramsay, was a native of Oamaru, New Zealand.[12] It has been suggested that, at a time when several symbols were weakly associated with New Zealand, the eventual spread of Kiwi shoe polish around the world enhanced the Kiwi's popular appeal and promoted it at the expense of the others.[13]
At the end of the 19th century, leather shoes and boots became affordable to the masses, and with the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the demand for large numbers of polished army boots led to a need in the market for a product that would allow boots to be polished quickly, efficiently and easily. The polish was also used to shine leather belts, handgun holsters, and horse tack. This demand led to a rapid increase in the sales of shoe and boot polish. The popularity of Kiwi shoe polish spread throughout the British Commonwealth and the United States.
Day One, From Nelson/Motueka to Meadowbank Homestead, Awaroa via Totaranui
Day One, Tuesday February 16, 2016
We packed our overnight Wilson bag (that had been delivered to our Nelson accommodation the previous day), and our backpacks and were ready to be picked up at 10:30am at our hotel on Tuesday 16th February. We joined the other 22 from the club and had a 50 minute drive to Wilsons offices at Motueka where we collected our very substantial lunch (meat roll, quiche, scone with butter, chocolate cookie and apple), complementary water bottle and Wilson's mug. We left our suitcases and valuables at the Wilson Office and got plastic liners and repacked our backpacks and made sure our Wilsons overnight bag was watertight. The weather had been overcast all morning but now started to drizzle. We then climbed back onboard the bus and were driven further up the coast to Kaiteriteri where we got onto the Wilsons ferry. It started to rain hard so most of us sat downstairs. It was a lovely one and a half hour ride along the densely forested coast to Totaranui where the walk was to start. Along the way we encountered a large pod of bottle nosed dolphins who frolicked in the boat's wash for several minutes. Some of us got good photos, I want one of them. We passed the famous Split Apple rock, that really looks like an apple.
After stopping several times to let passengers off at various beaches along the way we got to Totaranui beach. By then the rain had stopped. We got ashore with out getting wet and started the 6.5 km walk back along the coast. We walked through beautiful forest enhanced by the recent rain. The path was clear, wide and flat. There were several very steep climbs and descents but it was easy underfoot. There were two short stretches of walking along beautiful sandy beaches, with no one else except us. The forest was beautiful, leaves were wet, lots of silver ferns, beeches, mosses and tall trees. All regrowth after the area was cleared by timber felling. We saw lots of yellow wasp traps mounted in the trees. Wasps are a terrible problem, causing sooty mould that is killing the trees. We reached the Awaroa River estuary which we had to cross to get to the accommodation lodge. Because the tide was in it was too deep to wade across so we were ferried across in small groups in the punt right up to the steps of Meadowbank Homestead our accommodation for the next two nights.
Meadowbank Homestead is a lovely two story wooden Victorian style house. It was built in 1994 and is a replica of the original 1884 homestead (rotated 180 degrees). The lounge, dining room, kitchen and some accommodation is in the main house. Other accommodation is in a separate single story wing overlooking lovely gardens, even in the rain. There are 13 twin and double bedrooms accommodating 26 people so we had the place to ourselves, along with three guides, Garrick, Amy and Whitey and two cooks. The accommodation was very good, but the best was the excellent dinner. Dips first, then entrée salad of roast pumpkin on lentils and beans, sprinkled with feta. Main course was a choice of beautifully roasted rack of New Zealand lamb or local grilled snapper, with fried rice salad, green leaf salad and roasted pepper salad. Desert was a choice of profiteroles or blue cheese and fig confit and crackers. Wine was available for purchase and many of us took advantage of this. The large tables ensured that there was plenty of lively conversation and reminiscing on our lovely first day on the Abel Tasman Trail.
Fiona Campbell
Photo:Fiona Guides Garrick & Whitey preparing for boarding the 'Vista' in Kaiteriteri
Braving the wind and the rain on the upper deck: Karen, Anne, Jenny
Three other brave ones: Janet, Dianne, Cindy
Photo: Fiona Apod of bottle nosed dolphins provided much entertainment!
A first sighting from our boat of our Homestead accomodation to which we are walking to!
Our final boat destination, Totaranui Beach
Our group leader Darylene, marking the formal start of our 5 days of walking
Arrival at Awaroa River estuary, waiting for the barge transporting us to the Homestead
The river estuary at high tide
Photo: Chris First group in the barge crossing the river to Homestead
Guide Amy with some of second barge group: Darylene, Diane, Sue, Maree
The barge returning from transporting the first group to Meadowbank Homestead
On the barge crossing the river: Kerry, Darylene, Maree, Cindy, Chris
Ching, Fiona, Connie, Dianne
Guide Garrick, Ching & Fiona
The steps to the Meadowbank Homestead
What a beautiful accomodation for 2 nights of comfort, time in drying room and gourmet meals!
Photo Joy
Photo Joy
Day Two Exploring Awaroa Bay on a Very Wet Day and/or Resting in the Cosy Meadowbank Homestead
Day 2 Wednesday February 17, 2016 The wet day
This was the wet and windy day. With the threat of rain looming, some clever people decided not to walk at all and stayed behind to enjoy our luxury accommodation. Clad in our water walking shoes we began with a walk along the beach, and through the water. Pleasant enough, with a drop of rain here and there. A short detour into the bush to see the steam engine, originally used for crushing bark to obtain tannen. This process not being all that successful, the machine was converted for cutting wood. By now all raincoats are in use, and some more clever people decided it was time to return. The rest of us soldiered on to see the old school site which was at the end of a track which skirted the beach and then went deeper into the bush. There was nothing to see at this site, but Whitey, as ever, provided an interesting commentary. Now the rain has really settled in and the group divides again, leaving only five foolhardy walkers accompanying Whitey to see the gravesite of the daughter of early settlers. Sloshing along a barely visible, sometimes non existent track and trusting our guide we trecked deeper into the bush. We found the grave and also a chimney base indicating the location of the house. It was worth it. It was teeming down now, and we headed home. Back to the beach, Whitey decided to take a shortcut across the mudflats. Feet were sucked in and shoes had to be retrieved from the mud. By now the rain is horizontal and the wind is picking up, the knee high wading through water was taken in our stride, literally. So lovely to arrive back to a warm, dry house with a tasty lunch awaiting us.Christine FryerTwenty-one brave walkers......Kerry, in elegant wet weather gear!Peter, also in elegant wet weather gear. Winner of the member best prepared for action!Guides Garrick and WhiteyAwaroa river at low tide,Kaye and Steve, signing in the rain......Four very despondent looking walkers, listening to a talk given by Garrick on the importance of a non native plant such as the Himalaya vineKaye, Chris, Darylene (could not keep her despondent look for the camera), KerryPretty flowers and fruit of Himalyan vineCindy, looking at home in this cosy decorConnie, a well earned rest by the fire
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