Sunny Nelson has a few notable activity choices, but the topmost on most people’s itinerary is the Abel Tasman National Park.

Thanks to a great GrabOne deal, my parents and I boarded a big water taxi and headed into the park for a day of walking along beaches, as part of the Abel Tasman Great Walk.

Once again it was a gorgeous sunny and warm day. Perfect for hiking.

This was our jam-packed boat. It was also the Easter long weekend, so families were out in numbers and the boat was sold out.

The hike was 3-4 hours long and took us up and over a few good sized hills. And my parents had figured all of our tough hiking was finished when we left Queenstown. <evil laugh>

Crossing over the largest swing bridge in the Abel Tasman, we got to peer down to kayakers paddling about the bluey-green waters.

Numerous lagoons and tidal pools had that fantastic turquoise-blue water. Many of them only exist during high-tide, which just so happened to be around the time we were hiking.

Coming out to Torrent Bay…and being surprised to find a small town in the National Park! This also was where we ended up having to do a large detour. During low tide, the large area behind the town is drained and clear of water. Being high tide, we got to walk around the outside instead, adding an hour or so. But we weren’t in a rush anyways.

The view from the beach of Torrent Bay.

On the other side of the small spit of Torrent Bay beach we had a snack break. Very peaceful on this side.

Continuing on, this was part of the detour now. Lots of marshy kind of areas around, which would be draining shortly.

Eventually we glimpsed our final destination – Anchorage Bay.

Massive Anchorage beach, a beautiful swath of golden sand and calm bay waters.

With nothing to do but wait (the early boat was booked up), we relaxed around the beach. A friendly pair of Paradise Ducks (one is out of frame) came to visit me, in search of food. These pair are well trained, I saw them eating out of a person’s hand later in the day.

I look ready to play soccer! Actually, the high socks are to try and minimize exposed skin. Sandflies were ever present. Evil things.

The sun was getting low by the time our boat arrived to take us back to Kaiteriteri, then it was a 45 minute drive back to Nelson.

Once again, a very pleasant day. My parents had brought rain gear for this trip. It wasn’t exactly seeing much use, but then again, nobody was complaining. 🙂