Abel Tasman and me

I only had one day in Nelson and having decided that I definitely didn't want to get up early again, my plans to have a lie in were somewhat rearranged when I discovered that if I wanted to do a day trip to Abel Tasman National Park then I was going to have to be up early for my 7am pick up!!

The weather was forecast to be sunny and it seemed too good an opportunity to miss, I made a snap decision, booked the day out and then had to run to the supermarket to find supplies! 

Who needs sleep eh?!

Out on the water taxi on the way to the trails.

I managed to make myself breakfast and coffee before 7am arrived and shortly after that boarded the bus to Abel Tasman. It took around an hour to get to the park and once there I was shuttled out to the start of the walk by Water Taxi. The boat ride itself was pretty cool, we got an amazing view of the park's coastline and golden beaches, we also saw a little blue penguin out for a swim, seal pups and sting rays!

Not the best picture.. but here is my penguin!

After paddling ashore I found the start of the walk and set off to explore Abel Tasman with a nice German lady I had met at the hostel. The sun shone and we enjoyed exploring the trail, walking from Bark Bay to Anchorage Bay, stopping in at small coves and taking photos. The path was not very challenging, but was very picturesque winding along by the shore, heading in land through forested areas and then back out to the coast.
Tomorrow I'm off to the north island, hopefully catching up with new friends, have left you a few photos of Abel Tasman.. enjoy! :)

Through the forests...

...and down to the beautiful beaches.

Not a bad spot for lunch!