Abel Tasman National Park

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ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK Our Christmas trip began at the air- The weather remained mild although port with the news that our flight would not hot. Next day we moved on and be two hours late. During the wait the entered a swamp which was real deep, passengers of our flight were called for smelly, and slimy. It took nearly an their baggage to be weighed, and some hour to clear it and Rosemary, who was of us were caught with all that extra. the first to reach dry ground, shook hands with a wild almost. However, our plane finally took off pig-well and arrived in Nelson about 9.40 p.m. Over a saddle we went and into Awaroa Bay where the bush was left for green where our transport was waiting to take pastures. A local resident invited us in us through to Riwaka. We spent the for morning tea. night at the driver's home, sleeping in The Awaroa Inlet, which is the bus. very long, is tidal and a cold windy two hours was Next day the bus took us through to spent on the beach waiting for the tide Kaiteriteri where Mr MacMorland, a to recede. Our two navigators consulted surveyor for Lands and Survey Depart- the maps. We had lunch and then proment, had a recently drawn map of the ceeded over the mudflats to where Merv park for us. and Gordon said the track should start Our driver dropped us off at Marahau -and they were right. Through fern where the track started over mudflats, bush to Waiharakeke and along the cliff beach and then through light bush. We face where the track came down to the reached Torrent Bay at low tide which beach. Home for the night was at Totawas fortunate, as we just crossed mud- ranui in a motor camp. flats and made the hut as the rain came The next day was spent relaxing, down. The hut was equipped with mat- swimming, and sunbathing with Pat and tresses, chairs, a table, curtains, and even Rosemary getting sunburnt. Merv and a lantern. The day, being Christmas Eve Sabina went through to Anapai about 45 and Pat's birthday, Gordon celebrated minutes' walk away. We met Jim Kilby, by cleaning his boots. the local track cutter, who told us about Christmas Day was fine and clear, and the track ahead and offered to take us after chasing a few crabs practically at up the road to the track in his Landour back door, we visited Henry Cotton, rover. the local honorary ranger and the only So next day we were taken, gear and permanent resident in the bay. all, to the track and the start of a hor- Boxing Day was warm. Our rible climb. Jim went on ahead to clear 9.30 a.m. start coincided with high a path over a large fallen tree which tide, so we went the long way round to obscured the route and had led previous say farewell to the ranger. Torrent Bay parties astray. We caught him up, said township was rather crowded that day goodbye, and pushed on till luchtime and crossing the main street was a prob- and a stop on Centre Peak for food. The lem. The track from here on was dry track was in open country but soon reand rather and down. At Falls River joined the bush much to Gordon's dis- (2-3 hours of easy walking) we stopped gust. Poor Rosemary was attacked by a for lunch but from here on we had goat. The track from here on was badly difficulty in keeping on the track. We marked and difficult to follow. Water met a married couple camped prac- was scarce in this area, and at the first tically on the route, apparently on their trickle we made camp. honeymoon, and much to my amuse- Next morning we continued on and ment, they looked most upset when we up to a spot called Trig A. where the talked of staying the night. We moved track went down to the Wainui River. on however, along Bank Bay and then We had lunch at the Wainui hut, folinland where there was a choice of two lowed by five brews and finally decided tracks, one over Stoney Hill and out at it was tea time. Awaroa, or the coastal track. He chose New Year's Eve was wet but cleared the latter and wandered on till camp up by the time we left the hut. Our trip was made at one of the many little bays leader finally got his breakfast in bed where the bush comes right down to the after reminding us several times. A short sand. climb to Wainui Saddle and open coun- try made Gordon happy. Another climb, mary, Sabina, and Glenda cooked a mag back into the bush and then down to Doa nificent meal twice normal rations. Park hut for lunch. This area was very Abel Tasman Park was left behind, misty and swampy. A fly was rigged up via Mount Evans the next day. We over the side of the hut to keep our joined the Canaan Road and walked to packs dry. We spent New Year's Eve the main highway. The bus picked us here and stayed on for a further two up and our final camp was in the days. Motueka motor camp. Two side trips were made, one to Every hut in the park was visited and Pontem's Rock and the other to Castle thanks to Merv and Sabina for a well- Rock hut. The latter was more interest- organised and enjoyable two weeks. ing as future parties to this area, start- Those on the trip were Merv and ing at Darahau could follow the river Sabina Owen, Gordon and Rosemary up the valley and then climb up to the Fox, Pat Hoy, Glenda Hill, and Bob Castle Rock hut. From the rocks the Hoy. whole of the Tasman Bay could be seen. Back to Moa Park. Rose- -R.H.