I had originally planned on doing a hike, or tramp as it’s called by Kiwis, along part of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track in the National Park at the north end of New Zealand’s South Island, but I was in no shape for tramping, having sprained my ankle. Instead, I took a catamaran along the park’s coast with a small group. (2010)
A blue penguin, smallest penguin in the world, swam by; we mistook him for a duck. White and mottled shag birds perched on bleached limestone rock shapes, mother and baby seals sunned on the rocks on this cloudy day. We kayaked out to see them and paddled onto a beach littered with driftwood, a great spot for a swim. One island had been cleared of rats, mice, and stoats, the invasive and pervasive species brought by immigrants to reduce the population of rabbits, brought by an even earlier wave of settlers. The birdsong was loud and melodic in that protected space—even kiwis, the flightless, endangered mascot, were thriving there.
At anchor near another beach, little fish frenzied over pieces of bread thrown out, while sting rays winged by. Plump mussels and smoked salmon with garlic pesto sauce for lunch with chibatta rolls and veggies.
An elf-like 77-year-old British man befriended me at the hostel where I stayed in Nelson. We talked until late in the night about friends we’ve made in far off places. He helped me out to the car in the morning and sent me off with a warm hug.
Nelson
New Zealand
North Island: Auckland, Rotorua, Hobbiton, Wellington
South Island: Abel Tasman National Park, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dunedin, Otago, Oamaru, Moeraki
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Ruth Rosenfeld 
Lovely sights in Abel Tasman National Park. I hope to see a swimming penguin up close too. I’m sorry to hear you sprained your ankle, I hope it’s much better now.
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This post is from a trip in 2010, so yes, my ankle is much better! I turned it in Melbourne, Australia right before coming over to NZ. It worked out well though, because I did more water activities.
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New Zealand is a paradise. An amazingly bio-diverse, beautiful part of the world.
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It is a natural paradise, not too much citified, and such a welcoming, friendly people.
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Oh it’s just a stunning place. That must have been a magical moment when Mr. Penguin ambled by. The split rock is quite a sight, almost looks like an art installation. So much nature and wildlife to embrace here and the story about making a friend and talking long into the night made me smile.
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The South Island especially is a wonderland of nature, and this is just the northern tip. Thanks so much for coming along and adding your thoughtful comments.
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Gorgeous place! Abel Tasman National Park looks lovely, and despite still recovering from the sprained ankle, you still had a lot of fun!
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I was actually glad to have chosen water activities over the hike. There was so much to see and it was so pleasant out on the water.
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Great place and fabulous photos!!!
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Your pictures are fabulous as always. Mickey and I stayed in Picton also at the north end of the south island. We tracked (hiked) some of the Queen Charlotte Track starting in Ship-Cove Bay, where Captain James Cook first landed. We hiked about 6 miles ending at Furneaux Lodge for a lovely lunch.
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Thank you, Carol! That looks like a lovely area as well. There is so much to do in NZ. 😊
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Looks like you didn’t miss out by not hiking. It seems to be the perfect spot of a kayak – penguins and all 🙂 Maggie
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I’m glad it turned out that way. I did more water activities on the South Island – no regrets.
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Even though you weren’t able to explore on foot, at least you were still able to enjoy the coastline by boat! Looks lovely.
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I think this worked out even better! Thanks
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That boat trip sounds like just the sort of outing I would love (much more than hiking 😆 ) The split rock and rock arches look amazing, the wildlife too, and lunch sounds delicious!
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My water activities choices were better than the hike, I think, after all! No regrets.
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Abel Tasman National Park might be New Zealand’s smallest national park – but it’s perfectly formed for relaxation and adventure.
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That it is. Thanks so much for reading.
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Wonderful photos. I liked specially the one with the colourful coracles. It looks like a place I will enjoy. Thanks for adding to my bucket list.
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Thanks so much for reading and your comment!
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Beautiful captures!!
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