Abel Tasman Coastal Track

I really wanted to do the Abel Tasman coastal track, another one of the nine Great Walks in NZ.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/nelson-tasman/golden-bay/abel-tasman-coast-track/

Coastline of Abel Tasman

It took a bit for me to figure out the logistics for it, but I finally did and had such an amazing time.
There are 2 parts of the track that can only be done during low tide and then I had to figure out transportation but it was all pretty straight forward. I decided I only had 3 days to spend walking it, so I did miss the end section of the walk, which woulda been my fourth day. But it wouldn't be hard to come back and do that part when I have more time.

Seals playing at Tonga island on the taxi to the start of the trail

I took a water taxi to my starting point in Totaranui and did 12.5k (7.75mi) to my campsite at Tonga Quarry.

Totaranui beach

Leaving Totaranui

It was a nice first day but unfortunately the head cold I had been trying to will away hit me with full force.

Leaving Totaranui

Goat Bay

So what should have been a nice easy stroll took a bit more effort on my part. This was the day that I made the two tidal restricted crossings.

Crossing Awaroa estuary at low tide

So I had a bit of a time restraint, but I made it with no problem and got to my awesome campsite with plenty of daylight left.

Onetahuti Beach

Onetahuti beach

 I cooked dinner on the beach and in the 2 minute lapse between thinking I needed bug spray and actually spraying it on - those wicked, little, black bitey bastards ate me alive.

Tonga Quarry: Home sweet home 

On the beach at Tonga Quarry

It was a full moon night. And the moonrise was spectacular.

Moonrise from my camping beach. So many pics. I couldn't choose just one. 

So many moon pics

Would you say I have a plethora of moon photos?

 

I hit the trail midmorning and set in for my long day, 16.5k (10.25mi)

 I was still feeling my cold and this day was the longest and the hardest day of my trek.

Bark Bay

Bark bay

Bark Bay

Bark Bay

The trail

But the scenery was so beautiful, it completely distracted me. The hours really seemed to fly by.

Suspension bridge over Falls River

Except maybe the last hour. By that time I was done.

My camp for the second night was at Anchorage. A massive site, with a hut and all kinds of people. It wasn't too bad though. I didn't have to boil my water and there were flush toilets, which are always nice. Plus, my cold had me so wiped out. I was asleep by 6pm and I slept in till 8am in spite of my bug bites and sinus headache.

Anchorage bay: morning 3

Anchorage Bay the third morning

The last day was an easy, breezy 12.4k (7.7mi). It was a quick uphill hike to some beautiful vistas
and a few quick side trips down to the beaches.

Akertson Bay

The day before had been overcast but my third day the sun was out and really lighting up the ocean in all it's vivid blues and greens.

Apple Tree Bay

I took my time and relaxed at the beach.

Apple tree Bay

By the time I was back at my car I was really excited to be done walking.
I feel so lucky to have been able to do this hike. If I had the chance, I would definitely kayak this track. The coast and beaches are definitely the highlights of the walk and I would love to see more of them.