Riding the Mad Mile

Abel Tasman National Park is at the north of the South Island NZ. It contains lush subtropical forest, golden sand beaches, clear turqoise waters, spectacular granite coastline and sea caves. We booked a 5 day trip - the first day kayaking and then next four tramping.

The kayaking was awesome, even after a few arguments over steering! A seal jumped up onto our kayak at one point and we passed a little 'whity' penguin who was having a relax in the warm water. Pretty hard (wet) work, but such a great experience.

The tramping was diffucult and yet amazing at the same time too. We carried all our gear including tent, cooking utensils and food across mountain paths, rivers (sometimes wading across) to the next camp. The weather (after the first day) was amazing - hot enough still to swim in the sea and sometimes a little too hot.

After five days of seeing the most amazing scenery from land and sea we reluctantly made our way by water taxi back to civilisation. Aaahhh... a shower and a bed!